Suitability and Strength of Earthen Cementitious Mixtures

Authors

Adriana L. Mena, Southern Methodist UniversityFollow

Subject Area

Civil Engineering, Architecture, Materials Science, Sustainability and Development, Urban Planning

Abstract

Earth construction is a historically significant building method that has declined in use due to the rapid advancement of modern materials and its less-favorable aesthetics. However, these modern methods have had negative environmental impacts and reduced accessibility to infrastructure development. The construction and demolition industry is also one of the world’s largest generators of solid waste, much of which consists of aggregate - material that earthen construction could effectively reuse. These issues have renewed interest in earthen construction as an environmentally and economically sustainable alternative rooted in long-standing practice. Despite its potential, adoption is hindered by limited understanding, lack of standardization, and minimal research, particularly regarding earthen cementitious mixtures (CMs).

This research addresses these gaps by focusing on earthen CMs with slumps between 8” and 12” - specifically mud grout and Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM). Building on an in-lab mix design from a Compressed Stabilized Earthen Cylinder experiment by Hillyard and Story (2025), the study develops adapted mixes using additional water to achieve workable earthen CMs. The experiment also explores alternative specimen geometries and mold materials as they relate to compression testing, highlighting inconsistencies across existing standards. Given that earthen CMs prioritize homogeneity and have been largely confined to block applications, this work seeks to expand their potential for broader infrastructure uses such as foundation reinforcement and void filling, while contributing toward more uniform testing standards.

Degree Date

Fall 2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.

Department

Civil and Enviornmental Engineering

Advisor

Dr. Brett Story

Second Advisor

Dr. Andrew Quicksall

Third Advisor

Dr. Jessie Zarazaga

Acknowledgements

As the first professor I met at SMU, I would first like to express my deepest gratitude to my advisor, Dr. Story, for his continuous guidance, feedback, and support throughout this research as well as throughout my time both during my undergraduate and graduate years. Additionally, I am extremely grateful to Robert Hillyard, who guided me through the research and experimental foundations, along with my other fellow peers in the lab. I would also like to thank the many inspiring and insightful professors and administrators – including both Dr. Diane and Dr. John Easton, LtCol. Ortiz, and those serving on my committee, Dr. Quicksall and Dr. Zarazaga, just to name a few – all of whom I studied under and/or worked with during my time at SMU – they were instrumental in uncovering my curiosity and passion for research. I am sincerely grateful to The Civil and Environmental Department of the Lyle School of Engineering for the opportunity to pursue my research within its esteemed environment. As for my family, I am eternally grateful for their unwavering love and encouragement, pushing me to chase my goals and finish strong. To my friends, thank you, of course, for being patient and understanding, but also for reminding me to take a break every now and then and enjoy the moment – I promise I will have more time to make plans now. Lastly, to Grant, my rock, thank you for believing in me and cheering me on every step of the way. Your constant motivation helped pace me to the finish line.

Number of Pages

123

Format

.pdf

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License

Recommended Citation

Mena, Adriana L., "Suitability and Strength of Earthen Cementitious Mixtures" (2025). Civil and Environmental Engineering Theses and Dissertations. 39.
https://scholar.smu.edu/engineering_civil_etds/39