Review on Visualization and Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable Mud-Based Construction Techniques

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Abstract

Mud-based construction techniques, such as adobe, rammed earth, and compressed earth blocks (CEB), represent sustainable alternatives to conventional materials due to their low embodied energy, widespread local availability, and minimal processing requirements. This paper integrates advanced visualization techniques, including Building Information Modelling (BIM), 3D rendering, and augmented reality (AR), with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate both environmental and economic impacts comprehensively. Visualization tools enhance design precision, facilitate stakeholder communication, and improve project predictability, while LCA provides a detailed framework to quantify impacts across material extraction, construction, operation, maintenance, and end-of-life phases. A thorough review of 25 recent studies identifies emerging trends, innovative method- ologies, and persistent research gaps in mud-based construction. Key findings indicate that these techniques can reduce embodied carbon by 60–70.

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Keywords

Mud-based construction, Life Cycle Assessment, Visualization, Building Information Modelling, Sustainability