AUT Journal of Civil Engineering

AUT Journal of Civil Engineering

Predicting the durability of stabilized soil blocks using non-destructive testing.

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yazd University, Iran
2 Department of Polymer, Faculty of Polymer, Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The use of non-destructive tests for predicting the durability of stabilized earthen blocks, in addition to environmental benefits, enhances the reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness of structures. The durability of earthen blocks, defined as their ability to withstand environmental factors such as moisture, temperature variations, and erosion, plays a critical role in the lifespan of structures, reducing maintenance costs, and preserving the environment. This study aims to predict the durability properties of earthen blocks stabilized with synthetic copolymers and to develop predictive models based on a combination of destructive and non-destructive tests. The destructive tests included freeze–thaw cycles, wet–dry cycles, and erosion tests, while the non-destructive tests comprised water absorption, ultrasonic testing, contact angle measurement, and image processing. The results were modeled using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in Design Expert software. The findings demonstrated that non-destructive tests effectively reflect the changes in blocks under various conditions, and their appropriate combination enables accurate prediction of earthen block performance. Multivariate models described the degradation trends, environmental cycle sensitivity, and the effects of polymer content and construction quality better than univariate models. Additionally, some non-destructive tests played a key role in durability prediction and can be selected as primary indicators for rapid assessment.

The results indicate that combining non-destructive testing and modeling is an effective alternative to destructive testing, contributing to significant reductions in cost, time, and resources in sustainable earthen block projects.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 August 2026