The widespread application of raw earth construction is often hindered by its poor mechanical properties and durability. While chemical stabilization is a common mitigation strategy, the specific reinforcement mechanisms and numerical modeling of hydraulic lime-modified earthen materials remain underexplored. This study investigates the compressive and splitting tensile performance of raw earth matrices stabilized with varying dosages (5% and 10%) of natural and artificial hydraulic limes (NHL and AHL). Experimental results reveal that both stabilizers significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the earth matrix, with the 10% AHL admixture providing the most substantial improvement. Furthermore, a three-dimensional numerical framework based on the Concrete Damaged Plasticity (CDP) model was developed to simulate the macroscopic mechanical responses. The numerical predictions show excellent agreement with the experimental data, particularly for the 10% stabilization groups, accurately capturing the peak strength, post-peak strain-softening behavior, and complex failure modes. These findings validate the applicability of the CDP model for analyzing the non-linear loading behavior and damage evolution of hydraulic lime-stabilized earth, providing a reliable theoretical basis and numerical tool for future earthen heritage conservation and structural design.

Jiahui Qu, Shaoyi Duan, Feng Wu. Experimental and Numerical Investigation on the Tensile and Compressive Performance of Raw Earth Modified with Hydraulic Lime. Academic Journal of Architecture and Geotechnical Engineering (2026), Vol. 8, Issue 1: 37-47. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJAGE.2026.080105.

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