Effect of Olive Pomace Content on the Capillary Water Absorption Behaviour of Earth-Sand Bio-Based Composites for use on sustainable construction

Abstract

Evaluating the hydraulic properties of construction materials is an essential step in determining their durability and in-service behavior. Among the commonly used methods, the capillary absorption test is a simple and effective tool for characterizing a porous material’s ability to absorb and transport water under the influence of capillary forces. This property is of particular importance for bio-based materials and earth-matrix composites, whose performance is strongly influenced by their porous structure. This study focuses on the characterization of earth-sand composites incorporating olive pomace as a bio-based reinforcing material. The main objective is to evaluate the influence of different olive pomace contents on the capillary behavior of the developed composites. Capillary absorption tests were conducted on several formulations containing varying percentages of olive pomace. The results obtained are analyzed in terms of the bulk density, porosity, and microstructural organization of the material. The incorporation of olive pomace significantly alters the physical characteristics of the composite by increasing porosity and reducing the density of the soil matrix. These changes directly influence water transport mechanisms and capillary absorption kinetics. Analysis of the results reveals a gradual decrease in water absorption as the olive pomace content increases, reflecting greater connectivity within the pore network. The results obtained show that the capillary absorption test is a relevant method for evaluating the hydraulic behavior of olive pomace-reinforced soil-sand composites. This approach allows for an assessment of their suitability for use in sustainable construction applications while contributing to a better understanding of the relationships between formulation, porosity, and moisture transfer.