Improve Mechanical and Physical Properties of the Mud Concrete Block Using Textile Waste

Mud concrete block is an innovative blend of soil, cement, and water that offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and thermally comfortable construction solution. Although mud concrete has a better compressive capacity, its tensile capacity is less, and the use of soil as the base material results in significant shrinkage. Recognizing the potential of fibers to reinforce the material, this study evaluates how natural and synthetic fibers from textile waste can improve the mechanical and physical properties of the mud concrete block. Utilizing textile waste for fiber extraction aligns with sustainable practices, managing industrial waste and reducing environmental impact. From an extensive literature review, cotton and polyester were chosen as the natural and synthetic fibers, respectively. The research involved developing a concrete mix by combining soil, cement, water, and textile fiber. Throughout the test, the amount of cement (10%) and water (30%) were kept constant, and the amount of soil and textile fiber were varied. Test specimens, including 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm cubes, 100 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm cubes, and cylinders with 100 mm in diameter and 200 mm in height, were made to assess compressive strength, shrinkage properties, and tensile strength, respectively. Experimental results revealed that the addition of 7.5% polyester fiber achieved the highest compressive strength, while 5% polyester fiber obtained the highest tensile strength. The inclusion of cotton fiber led to a remarkable 57.14% reduction in shrinkage, while polyester fiber achieved an even more substantial reduction of 71.43%. In summary, findings indicate that incorporating polyester fiber produces the most favorable outcomes for enhancing the mechanical and physical properties of the mud concrete block.