Mechanical and Durability properties of extrudable cob mixes with recycled materials

This study investigates the mechanical and durability properties of extrudable cob mixes incorporating recycled materials, focusing on their potential for sustainable construction. Four distinct mix formulations were developed, each designed to assess the influence of recycled content on performance characteristics. Mechanical properties were evaluated through flexural and compression tests, while durability was analyzed using wet-drying cycles, abrasion resistance, and capillary water absorption tests. The results reveal critical insights into the strength, resilience, and long-term behavior of cob materials with recycled components, highlighting the balance between mechanical integrity and environmental sustainability. Comparative analysis across the mixes underscores the trade-offs and synergies between material composition and performance metrics. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable building materials and their application in modern construction, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating recycled materials into traditional cob techniques.