Characteristics of Geopolymer-Stabilized Compressed Earth Brick Masonry

Compressed earth bricks using geopolymer have low embodied carbon, are environmentally friendly, and exhibit superior durability, fire resistance, and thermal insulation when compared to conventional bricks. Geopolymer binders, composed of aluminosilicate materials such as 30% fly ash and 15% ground slag, combined with an activator (12M NaOH) 10% by mass, were used in manufacturing geopolymer-stabilized compressed earth bricks (GCEBs). The current study provides a discussion on the characteristics of GCEB masonry. The study is focused on evaluating the strength and stress–strain characteristics of GCEBs and their masonry. Results showed that the masonry compressive strength was in the range of 9–11 MPa, and the masonry strength increased with increase in brick strength, while the surface porosity of the bricks influenced the flexural bond strength of masonry. The performance of GCEB masonry was compared with the specifications in the current codes of practice.