Development and characterisation of novel compressed earth bricks bio-sourced with raw and treated alpha fibres

Abstract

In this research, the effect of using alpha fibres on the physico-mechanical properties of compressed earth bricks (CEBs) was investigated. CEBs were produced using soil, lime and different amounts (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%) of raw (RAF) or treated alpha fibres (TAF). First, the diameter, density and water absorption of RAF and TAF were determined. Then, the produced CEBs reinforced by these fibres were subjected to compressive strength, thermal test, density and capillarity water absorption tests. The obtained results showed that the addition of RAF and TAF leads to a reduction of the thermal conductivity by 33% and 31%, respectively. The finding also indicated that the density was decreased by 26% and 17% with the inclusion of TAF and RAF respectively. Besides, the compressive strength was reduced and water absorption coefficient was increased when fibres reinforced CEBs but remaining within the standard’s recommended limits. Moreover, the addition of fibre improves the acoustic properties of samples by 98%. The CEBs developed in this paper could be an alternative to other more common building materials, which would lead to a reduction of energy demand and environmental problems.