Polypropylene fiber reinforced Alker as a structurally stable and sustainable building material

Abstract

Alker is a technology which utilizes the use of 8–10% clay in gypsum stabilized earthen materials in earthen construction. Earthen construction has gained prominence in recent times as a result of its ease in construction, environmental friendliness and availability meeting the housing needs prevalent in most countries with a growing population including North Cyprus. Wastes such as gypsum and polypropylene fiber were used to produce reinforced Alker. The research study observed the mechanical properties in Alker containing 6% clay improved with 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% by weight of polypropylene fiber (PPF) content and the crack propagation in the optimum sample. X-ray Powder Diffraction tests were performed to obtain the chemical compositions of the soil which showed high amount of Magnesia (MgO) content. Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis was also conducted to obtain the functional group of the samples which showed higher intensity in the samples containing 0.5%PPF indicating strength gain. Scanning Electron Microscope analysis was also performed to obtain the interaction between matrix and fiber mixtures which showed improved frictional resistance leading to increased strength. The mechanical properties of matrix containing 0.5%PPF showed better results. Matlab R2018a computer application was used to analyze the crack propagation of the fiber reinforced sample image and it showed improved results which explain the limited shrinkage which led to limited cracking during the drying phase. Alker have shown to be a sustainable building material with improved properties.