Researchers at the University of Sharjah have created construction-grade bricks from desert sand paired with alkali-activated binders, potentially reducing reliance on carbon-intensive Portland cement and lowering embodied emissions in arid regions.
Researchers at the University of Sharjah have reported a method for turning locally sourced desert sand into construction-grade bricks by pairing the material with alkali-activated binders, a development that could reduce reliance on Portland cement in heavy-emitting sectors of the built environment. According to a University of Sharjah account and summaries released to the press, the formulation uses industrial by-products such as blast-furnace slag and fly ash to create a binding matrix that hardens at ambient temperature, removing the need for energy‑intensive firing or heating during manufacture.
Laboratory testing published in the Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering is said to show the resulting units meet relevant ASTM performance thresholds and display enhanced resistance to aggressive chemical environments, notably improved behaviour under sulphate attack compared with conventional cement-based bricks. The research team is advancing plans for pilot-scale trials and intends to evaluate commercial manufacturing flows and cost profiles before scaling to industrial production, according to the university’s announcements.
There are minor discrepancies in the public record over publication timing: a feature summarising the work on bioengineer.org lists a November 17, 2025 publication date, while press releases distributed via EurekAlert and Open Access Government cite a journal publication date of 10 February 2026. Both sets of accounts attribute the technical approach to the same research group and to a Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering paper.
For decarbonisation professionals assessing the potential of this approach, several points are pertinent. Alkali‑activated systems can substantially lower embodied CO2 by substituting clinker with industrial residues; the researchers highlight this pathway as a means to address the roughly 10% share of global CO2 emissions commonly ascribed to Portland cement production. Ambient curing further reduces process energy, which improves the life‑cycle emissions profile compared with fired clay or thermally cured geopolymer products.
Practical deployment will hinge on feedstock logistics, quality control and long‑term durability under field conditions. The University of Sharjah team intends pilot testing to validate consistency and to establish quality assurance protocols, a necessary step before permitting, specification and industry uptake. The project also sits alongside other sustainability experiments at the university: separate work led by Dr Aref Maksoud and students has developed a 3D‑printed, biodegradable PLA‑sand wall system that integrates planting media and promotes biodiversity; this serves as an example of the institution’s broader materials and design portfolio, not as a direct substitute for alkali‑activated masonry.
Comparative innovations also merit consideration. Ferrock, a proprietary material created from steel dust and recycled glass that sequesters CO2 during curing, exemplifies alternative low‑carbon binders already discussed in industry circles; its availability and scale depend on access to specific industrial wastes. Evaluating desert‑sand alkali activation against such alternatives requires analysis of regional feedstock availability, embodied carbon across supply chains, and compatibility with existing construction practices.
For industrial decarbonisation stakeholders, the University of Sharjah work is consequential because it targets a widely available regional resource and a binder route that can integrate circular inputs. The technology’s eventual impact will depend on successful scale‑up, consistent manufacturing controls, regulatory acceptance and clear evidence of in‑service performance from pilot projects. If those hurdles are cleared, alkali‑activated desert sand bricks could become a pragmatic lever for lowering embodied emissions in arid regions where conventional aggregates are scarce and where reducing transport and clinker demand offers substantial carbon and cost benefits.
- https://bioengineer.org/scientists-create-sustainable-bricks-from-desert-sand-as-a-green-alternative-to-carbon-heavy-portland-cement/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1116057 – Scientists at the University of Sharjah have developed eco-friendly bricks using desert sand and alkali-activated binders, offering a sustainable alternative to Portland cement, which contributes up to 10% of global CO₂ emissions. This innovation could significantly reduce the construction industry’s environmental footprint. The process involves collecting natural desert sand from the Sharjah region and combining it with alkali-activated binders, including industrial by-products like blast-furnace slag and fly ash. The bricks are cured at ambient temperature, eliminating the need for energy-intensive heat treatment. The new bricks have demonstrated superior durability, outperforming traditional cement-based bricks under sulfate attack, making them suitable for harsh environments. This advancement aligns with global sustainability goals and offers a promising solution to the construction industry’s carbon emissions problem. The study was published in the Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering on 10 February 2026. ([eurekalert.org](https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1116057?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/desert-sand-bricks-a-sustainable-shift-in-construction/204857/ – Researchers at the University of Sharjah have successfully transformed desert sand into eco-friendly construction bricks, providing a viable alternative to carbon-intensive traditional materials. This innovation, published in the Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering on 10 February 2026, could significantly reduce the construction industry’s environmental footprint. Conventional Portland cement is responsible for nearly 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions. The new bricks are made by combining desert sand with alkali-activated binders, including industrial by-products like blast-furnace slag and fly ash. The curing process occurs at room temperature, eliminating the need for energy-intensive heat treatment. The bricks have demonstrated superior durability, outperforming traditional cement-based bricks under sulfate attack, making them suitable for harsh environments. This advancement aligns with global sustainability goals and offers a promising solution to the construction industry’s carbon emissions problem. ([openaccessgovernment.org](https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/desert-sand-bricks-a-sustainable-shift-in-construction/204857/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/Academics/Eng/On-Air-and-On-Screen/Dr-Aref – Dr. Aref Maksoud and his students at the University of Sharjah have developed the Eco-Sand Wall, a sustainable architectural innovation made from biodegradable PLA and sand using 3D printing. This wall supports plant growth by embedding seeds within the bricks, turning it into a living, air-purifying structure that promotes biodiversity. The project was showcased at Dubai Design Week and COP28 and now serves as an educational model at the University of Sharjah, promoting eco-conscious design practices. ([sharjah.ac.ae](https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/Academics/Eng/On-Air-and-On-Screen/Dr-Aref?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/Global-News/University-Of-Sharjah-News/Students-show-off-eco-friendly-sand-wall-design – Architectural engineering students at the University of Sharjah have presented a new design of an eco-friendly sand wall at Dubai Design Week. The wall is made entirely of biodegradable Polylactic Acid (PLA) mixed with sand and is 3D-printed. The bricks are manufactured from recycled materials, making them environmentally friendly. The unique aspect of the Eco-Sand Wall is its ability to facilitate plant growth directly on the wall’s surface. Dr. Aref Maksoud, the project’s creator, explained that these bricks are durable and structurally sound, and the PLA used is derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. ([sharjah.ac.ae](https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/Global-News/University-Of-Sharjah-News/Students-show-off-eco-friendly-sand-wall-design?utm_source=openai))
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrock – Ferrock is a proprietary carbon-negative construction material made from recycled industrial waste, developed as an alternative to Portland cement. It is produced by mixing steel dust, silica (ground recycled glass), and ferrous rock or other iron-rich minerals. The curing process involves adding water to the dry mix, initiating a chemical reaction between iron compounds and carbon dioxide, forming iron carbonate, which provides Ferrock’s hardening and structural integrity. Ferrock’s environmental appeal lies in its use of recycled materials and its ability to sequester carbon dioxide during curing, making it a more sustainable option compared to traditional cement. However, the availability of its key ingredients—steel dust and silica—is dependent on other industrial activities, which may limit its scalability. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrock?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article references a study published in the Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering on 10 February 2026. However, the same study is mentioned in a press release dated 10 February 2026, indicating that the press release may have been issued before the journal publication. This discrepancy raises questions about the freshness of the information. Additionally, the article includes a publication date of 17 November 2025, which is earlier than both the press release and journal publication dates, suggesting potential confusion or outdated information. The presence of multiple publication dates and the reliance on a press release indicate that the content may not be entirely fresh. The article also appears on bioengineer.org, a site that often republishes press releases, which may further indicate a lack of originality. Given these factors, the freshness score is reduced.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes attributed to researchers at the University of Sharjah. However, these quotes are not independently verifiable through other reputable sources. The reliance on a press release as the primary source for these quotes raises concerns about their authenticity and potential reuse. Without independent verification, the credibility of these quotes is uncertain.
Source reliability
Score:
5
Notes:
The article originates from bioengineer.org, a platform that often republishes press releases and may not provide independent verification of the information. The reliance on a press release from the University of Sharjah further indicates a lack of independent sourcing. The presence of multiple publication dates and the use of a press release as the primary source suggest that the content may not be entirely original or independently verified.
Plausibility check
Score:
7
Notes:
The concept of using desert sand in alkali-activated binders for sustainable construction is plausible and has been explored in previous studies. However, the article’s reliance on a press release and the presence of multiple publication dates raise questions about the originality and freshness of the information. The lack of independent verification and the use of a press release as the primary source suggest that the claims may not be fully substantiated.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The article’s reliance on a press release from the University of Sharjah, the presence of multiple publication dates, and the lack of independent verification raise significant concerns about the freshness, originality, and credibility of the information. The use of a press release as the primary source and the absence of independent verification suggest that the content may not be fully substantiated. Given these factors, the overall assessment is a FAIL.
