Thermo-mechanical behavior of compressed earth blocks (CEB) stabilized and reinforced with fibers

Abstract

This study is part of the development of eco-materials (dune sand, clay soil and natural fibers) for masonry and the rehabilitation of heritage in arid and semi-arid environments which are found in abundance in North Africa. The manufacture of compressed earth bricks stabilized (BTCS) has gained some momentum over the last decade. First, we present the results of characterization tests of sand-clay mixtures based on the compressive strength criterion. Secondly, an optimization of the stabilizer of the sand-clay mixtures using different percentages of lime was carried out. The choice of lime as a stabilizer remains an environmental reason. In the last step, the optimal mixture obtained (sand-clay-lime) based on the compressive strength criterion will be reinforced with different percentages of natural fibers of different lengths. The formulation of the mixture (sand-clay-lime-fibers) optimally meets the regulatory requirements (mechanical and thermal) of arid and semi-arid zones known as very hot in summer and cold in winter. Finally, the results obtained open up a field of contribution to the manufacture of a local ecological eco-material at low cost.