The building sector is under increasing pressure to lower its environmental impact, prompting renewed interest in raw soil as a low-carbon and locally available material. This study investigates the mechanical and thermal properties of clay-based masonry walls through a comprehensive experimental program on earthen mortars, bricks, and their interfaces, considering both stabilized and non-stabilized formulations. Compressive, bending, and shear tests reveal that strength is strongly influenced by mortar composition, hydration time, and the soil-to-sand ratio. The addition of 5–7.5% cement yields modest gains in compressive strength but increases the carbon footprint, whereas extended pre-hydration achieves similar improvements with lower environmental costs. Thermal characterization of the studied samples (SiO₂ ≈ 61.2 wt%, Al₂O₃ ≈ 11.7 wt%, MgO ≈ 5.1 wt%) revealed that SiO₂-enriched compositions significantly enhance thermal conductivity, whereas the presence of Al₂O₃ and MgO contributes to increased heat capacity and improved moisture regulation. These findings suggest that well-optimized clay-based mortars can satisfy the structural and thermal requirements of non-load-bearing applications, offering a practical and sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials. By reducing embodied carbon, enhancing hygrothermal comfort, and relying on locally available resources, such mortars contribute to the advancement of green building practices and the transition towards low-carbon construction.

The construction industry is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by the global urgency to minimize carbon emissions, improve material efficiency, and enhance resilience across the built environment. In developing contexts such as Lebanon, construction projects face persistent challenges related to economic instability, limited regulation, and fragmented management practices, often hindering the transition toward sustainable materials and practices. This paper presents a hybrid study combining a literature-based review of sustainability-oriented construction success factors with a Lebanese case study assessing institutional, managerial, and material-related determinants of project performance. A structured survey of 55 Lebanese construction firms was conducted to evaluate the relevance of external, institutional, and internal success factors, while integrating emerging sustainability and material performance indicators. Findings reveal that economic and technological variables, coupled with the availability of construction standards and managerial competencies, are crucial to achieving both conventional project success and sustainable material outcomes. The study highlights the pivotal role of regulatory modernization, green procurement, and material innovation; such as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), recycled aggregates, and smart material applications; in advancing the Lebanese construction sector toward a low-carbon future. The proposed framework connects project success factors with material performance, offering a pathway to more resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible construction practices in developing economies.

Lebanon's natural water resources are facing serious problems related to quality and quantity. Unregulated resource planning and rising demand are the main factors. Water resources are used in several ways. However, due to the over-exploitation, and random use of surface water resources, Lebanon is facing severe problems related to water need and accessibility. This study focused on the Ras El-Ain area located in the South of Lebanon that dedicated, along with other reservoirs, to supply potable water for Tyr and the surrounding villages. Nowadays, the water of these natural ponds has been polluted significantly due to unrestricted liquid and solid waste disposal. Physicochemical and microbiological water characteristics, following the LIBNOR guidelines, of four selected samples from each natural pond were tested. In addition, another sample was taken from a water reservoir that collects water from these natural ponds. The obtained results were used to evaluate the extent of pollution in these natural ponds using PhreeQC software. The novelty of this study stems from the fact that it is the first to shed light on the degree of pollution level in the Ras El-Ain ponds, Lebanon (an unstudied area).

This chapter highlights the potential applications of geopolymers in civil and environmental engineering applications. It indicated how geopolymeric materials could reform current building techniques and sustainable practices. This chapter will start by elaborating on and synthesizing geopolymer mortars, promoting the use of natural and recycled source materials with a focus on industrial waste and sustainable raw materials. This chapter delves into the characterization methods that enable geopolymers’ good mechanical properties in the coming step. Among the significant properties are the correlation with the microstructural, thermal, and durability properties. The chapter also discusses how geopolymers help the environment by managing waste and reducing carbon footprints.

Clayey soils have been used in the construction of buildings since ancient times. It reduces the building’s ecological footprint while improving thermal comfort. Soil is a local material that helps people in temperate regions cope with harsh environmental conditions such as high temperatures. The performance of such materials is determined by the soil’s chemical composition and physical properties. The main issue with these materials is their high shrink sensitivity and tendency to crack during drying. These pathologies can result in fundamental mechanical performance degradation. The purpose of this work is to investigate various scenarios for the stabilization of compacted soil blocks.In this context, this research investigates the use of alternatives to cement for the stabilization of earth blocks. Sample blocks were constructed using varying concentrations of stabilization materials. The samples’ mechanical strengths were assessed. Simultaneously, materials will be compared in terms of ease of manufacture, and financial cost. The mechanical properties (compressive and flexural strength) of stabilized earth blocks shows that the developed mix outperforms the traditional masonry concrete block. The results of this study show that stabilized earth blocks are gaining their place as a viable, sustainable, affordable building material suitable for low-cost housing construction.