Evaluation of physical properties of adobe chemically stabilized with synthetic termite saliva

Abstract

Adobe (raw mud brick) is a non-conventional technology that awakens a wide interest in sustainability constructions. However is important to improve the physical properties to reduction its water absorption and capillarity. The stabilization of adobe with products that don`t harm the environment and improve these physical properties must be goal for studies. Then Dynasolo DS328® known as synthetic termite saliva" is a chemical stabilizer produced in Brazil that can be a good option. This composition with vegetal oils is non-toxic, hydrophobic and has cohesive properties. The product is a high-concentrated liquid, water soluble and non-flammable. Therefore, this research aimed to compared the synthetic termite saliva" incorporation at four different concentrations: 1:2000; 1:1500; 1:1000 and 1:500 with adobes without stabilization. The reagent chosen was an aluminum sulfate at 1:5000 for all treatments. The adobe soil is a Red Latosol cambisol in natura and corrected to 50% fine sand fraction. The ideal moisture content is variable, ranging from 50% to 40% according DS328® increase. Adobes were submitted to water absorption, capillarity and linear contraction field tests science-based. This research confirmed the cohesive properties of chemical stabilization with synthetic termite saliva". It improved density and reduced the water absorption, capillarity, mass loss and linear shrinkage. The better treatment was 1:500 concentration.