A comprehensive life cycle assessment of sustainable reinforcement solutions for expansive soils using natural materials
Ahlam EL MAJID, Khadija BABA, Latifa OUADIF, Yasmina ED-DARIY
Abstract. Expansive soils cause serious geotechnical issues through their moisture-sensitive volume changes, the results of which are structural integrity loss. Even though traditional stabilization methods using lime or cement are effective, their significant carbon footprint as well as non-renewable nature raise environmental issues. This study conducts a comprehensive life cycle assessment to forecast the long-term viability of bio-based expansive soil stabilizers, pitting natural fibres (Alfa, jute, sisal), biopolymers, and agro-industrial by-products against conventional methods. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach examines key environmental factors, embodied carbon, energy use, resource use, and long-term durability. The results show that using natural stuff to strengthen soil is good for the earth. The implementation of these materials can lower carbon emissions by 40–60% compared to cement. These materials maintain control over soil swelling and aid in improving soil strength. Agricultural by-products are cheap, can be renewed, and don’t need much work to use. A chart will compare how well these materials do over their lives. This chart can aid decision-makers in making sustainable choices. Also, using local plant-based resources helps local economies and supports green building work.However, large-scale implementation remains challenging due to limited availability, inconsistent fiber quality, and the lack of standardized guidelines. Research is finding optimal combinations of fibers and new ways to prepare them to be both strong and good for the environment. This reduces ecological footprints without sacrificing performance. to adopt low-impact stabilization. Future studies must focus on large-scale implementation and long-term field performance for gaining universal industry application.
Keywords
Expansive Soils, Geotechnical Issues, Soil Stabilization, Natural Fibers, Bio-Based Reinforcement, Sustainable Alternatives
Published online 1/10/2026, 8 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Ahlam EL MAJID, Khadija BABA, Latifa OUADIF, Yasmina ED-DARIY, A comprehensive life cycle assessment of sustainable reinforcement solutions for expansive soils using natural materials, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 58, pp 139-146, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903933-19
The article was published as article 19 of the book Emerging Research in Materials for Environment, and Civil Infrastructure
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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