The Effect of Incorporating Alfa Fibers on Physical, Mechanical, and Durability Properties of Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks

This paper investigates the effect of integrating Alfa fibersAlfa fiber into compressed earth blocksCompressed earth blocks (CEBs) stabilized with varying Portland cement contents. CEB composites were manufactured with earth stabilized using different cement contents (5 and 10% by weight) and Alfa fibersAlfa fiber reinforcement (0–0.4% by weight), compressed at 10 MPa with a compaction loading press. After 28 days of drying, the CEBs underwent diverse experimental tests to evaluate their physical, mechanical, and durability properties. The findings indicated that incorporating fibers led to a diminution in unit weight, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and dry compressive strengthCompressive strength. Despite the drop in mechanical strength, CEBs with lower cement (5%) and higher fiber content (0.4%) demonstrated satisfactory erosion resistanceErosion resistance, which could play a crucial role in areas prone to extreme weather events (floods and storms). According to this study, this material has the potential as a promising composite for building materials and reducing the need for cement, which is deemed a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the construction industryConstruction industry.. The results have implications for affordable housing solutions and offer insightful information about sustainable building materials.