Adobe Bricks of the Champagne Region (France): Characterization of a Chalky Raw Earth Construction Material
Guillaume Polidori, Adrien Aras-Gaudry, Fabien Beaumont, Fabien Bogard, Sébastien Murer, Mohammed Lachi, Chadi Maalouf, Tala Moussa, Christophe Bliard, Gilles Fronteau, Erwan HamardRaw earth bricks made from the soil of the Chalky Champagne region (France) have been used for at least two millennia in construction, a promising heritage in the context of reducing the carbon emissions of buildings. The present experimental study aims to measure the physical, mechanical, thermal, and hydric properties of adobes collected from a local village barn. The results show a high chalk content, estimated at 71%, and a clay content, acting as a binder, of 14%. Despite limited load-bearing capacity, these lightweight adobes are suitable for current single-story constructions, while their hydrothermal properties classify them as excellent moisture regulators for occupants. In association with other bio-sourced materials such as starch–beet pulp bricks, Chalky Champagne adobes yield promising insulating properties, and meet the criteria defined by current energy standards.