Material evaluation of earth block masonry in the context of Belgium: a survey

Abstract

Earth block masonry (EBM) has a low embodied energy and a high circular potential, making it an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional building materials in Belgian mainstream construction. Additionally, its similarity with conventional equivalents makes EBM suitable to substitute large volumes of carbon-intensive building materials without drastic changes in the industry. Despite its potential, the application of EBM scarcely occurs in contemporary construction. While current research on EBM mainly focuses on technical properties and product development, insufficient research has been conducted on material evaluation, perception and experience by potential (end-) users. To understand which factors are important during the process of material evaluation, literature in this field is discussed, and a framework for material evaluation is formulated. Through a survey, this framework is employed to map the material evaluation of potential users, using five mock-up walls of EBM with various earth block (EB) types, earth mortars and jointing techniques. The results show that the most mentioned sensory attributes are the colour and roughness of the material. From an experiential point of view, respondents experience the walls as being (technically) trustworthy but often also as traditional or unstylish. Finally, most respondents indicate having a positive attitude towards potential implementation, even though plastering of the walls is preferred. These results are a first step in understanding users' perceptions and experiences and help identify aspects that need extra attention when further developing, commercialising, and communicating with regard to EBM in Belgium.