Mechanical and durability performance of pine fiber and limestone calcined clay cement stabilized rammed earth blocks
摘要
This study evaluates the mechanical, durability, and microstructural performance of rammed earth blocks (REBs) reinforced with pine fibers (PF) and stabilized with 10% Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), providing a sustainable pathway for waste biomass utilization in construction. Locally sourced soil was combined with 0.5-2% PF by weight, with compaction characteristics determined through Standard Proctor tests. Mechanical behavior was assessed by compressive and flexural strength, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), while durability was evaluated via water absorption and wet-to-dry strength ratios. Microstructural investigations included binocular microscopy, FESEM-EDS, XRD, and TGA. Results showed that 1% PF provided the optimum reinforcement level, improving dry compressive and flexural strength, while higher dosages caused clustering and reduced matrix continuity. The addition of 10% LC3 further enhanced performance, with compressive strength reaching 4.17 MPa and flexural strength 1.05 MPa. Water absorption reduced by 28.8% compared with unstabilized REBs, and the wet-to-dry strength ratio improved to 0.38, confirming superior durability. Microstructural analyses revealed hydration gels and carbonate phases from LC3, while PF mainly contributed through mechanical interlocking and crack bridging. TGA confirmed enhanced thermal stability in stabilized composites. The achieved strengths and water absorption values satisfied IS and ARSO code requirements, validating the practical application of PF-LC3 REBs in low-rise and load-bearing construction. Valorizing pine biomass reduces wildfire risks, while LC3 provides a scalable low-carbon binder, establishing PF-LC3 REBs as a high-performance, eco-efficient alternative for sustainable construction, particularly in resource-constrained regions.