Unlocking The Potential of Tunisian Clays: Sustainable Materials for Energy-Efficient Construction

This study explores newly identified clay deposits in El Djerid, southwest Tunisia, to evaluate their potential for use in construction. To achieve this, four different clay types were analyzed through mineralogical, geochemical, and physicochemical assessments to determine their composition and characteristics. To assess the suitability of these clays, fired samples were produced by blending different clay types with water, molding them, and heating them at 700 °C. The resulting materials were then tested for their physical, thermal, and mechanical properties. The raw clay analysis identified kaolinite and quartz as the primary minerals, with silica (23.5-45.3%), alumina (3.94-16%), and iron oxides (1.63-7.63%) as major chemical constituents. The plasticity index ranged from 12 to 30.83%, indicating variations in workability. Fired clay specimens (Sp1 and Sp2) demonstrated favorable performance, exhibiting water absorption between 17.33 and 20.46%, bulk densities from 1.75 to 2.41 g/cm³, and thermal conductivity values from 0.392 to 0.357 W/m·K. These results suggest that the El Djerid clay deposits could serve as an affordable and energy-efficient alternative for sustainable construction. By providing valuable data on the characteristics of these clays, this research contributes to the global discussion on eco-friendly and locally sourced building materials, promoting more sustainable architectural solutions.