Rammed Earth Construction Using Cement & Coir Fibers
Keywords:
Rammed earth construction, Fiber (Coir);, OMC (optimum moisture content);, MDD (Max. dry density, Characteristic compressive strength, tensile strength & Durability, Stabilization, Eco-friendly structure
Abstract
The paper aims to investigate the geotechnical and mechanical properties of rammed earth blocks by analyzing their compressive and tensile strength, density, and durability, while taking into account the effects of coir elongation and cement content. The specific aspects that were analyzed in the study are as follows:a) Effect of coir % & elongation on OMC and MDD, b) Effect on Consistency of sample, c) Combined effect of cement and coir on compressive strength, d) Combined effect of cement and coir on tensile strength. The objective of this investigation is to determine the optimum value of stabilizer for rammed earth blocks that will improve their geotechnical and mechanical properties while also fulfilling the principles of sustainability. The experiment used 8% cement as a stabilizer and 8% coir as reinforcement in lengths ranging from 20 mm to 40 mm. Based on the results of the experiment, it was found that the characteristic dry compressive strength of the rammed earth blocks improves up to 1% coir of 20 mm length, and then gradually decreases as the length and percentage of coir increase. In addition, the strength ratio drops by about 3.05%–6.27% as the coir length increases from 20 mm to 40 mm.These results suggest that the optimum value of coir reinforcement for improving the mechanical properties of rammed earth blocks is 1% with a length of 20 mm. However, it is important to note that the sustainability of the technique should also be considered when determining the optimum value of stabilizer and reinforcement. Overall, the investigation demonstrates that the use of coir reinforcement along with cement stabilization can be an effective approach for improving the geotechnical and mechanical properties of rammed earth blocks. However, further research is needed to optimize the coir percentage and length to achieve the desired strength properties while ensuring sustainability.
References
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[20] S. Yetgin, Ö. Çavdar, A. Çavdar, The effects of the fiber contents on the mechanical properties of the adobes, Constr. Build. Mater. 22 (2008) 222–227.
[21] F. Parisi, D. Asprone, L. Fenu, A. Prota, Experimental characterization of Italian composite adobe Blocks reinforced with straw fibers, Compos. Struct. 122 (2015) 300–307.
[22] S. Raj, S. Mohammad, R. Das, S. Saha, Coconut fiber reinforced cement stabilized rammed earth Blocks, World J. Eng. 14 (2017) 208–216.
[23] M. Tajdini, M. Hajialilue Bonab, S. Golmohammadi, an experimental investigation on the effect of adding natural and synthetic fibers on mechanical and behavioral parameters of soil-cement materials, Int. J. Civ. Eng. (2018).
[24] Aquino A.et al. : Compressed earth block reinforced with coconut fibers and stabilized with aloe vera and lime(2020).
[25] D. Toledo Romillo, FD, Ghavami K, G.L. England, K. Scrivener (2003) Development of vegetable fiber-mortar composites of improved durability. Cem Concr Compos 25:185–196
[26] Fagon M. et al.: Jute fabric as a reinforcement for rammed earth structures
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[28] S. Sangma, D.D. Tripura, Characteristic Properties of Unstabilized, Stabilized and Fibre-Reinforced Cob Blocks, Struct. Eng. Int. 1–9 (2019), https://doi.org/ 10.1080/10168664.2019.1690957.
[29] IS 2720: Part 4 (1985) Indian Standard, Methods of Test for Soils, Part 4: Grain Size Analysis. Bur Indian Stand New Delhi.
[30] IS 2720: Part 5 (1995) Determination of Atterberg Limits (Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit). Bur Indian Stand New Delhi.
[31] IS 2720: Part 7 (1980) Determination of water content-dry density relation using light compaction. Bur Indian Stand New Delhi.
[32] Jaquin, P. A. (2008). “Development and spread of the rammed earth technique.” Historic rammed earth, http://www.historicrammedearth.co.uk/Lehm_2008.jpgæ (Jul. 8, 2012).
[33] Manatoids V, Walker P (2003) A review of rammed earth construction. Dev rammed earth UK House. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.126693
[34] IS 8112 (2013) Ordinary Portland Cement, 43 Grade - Specification. Bur Indian Stand New Delhi.
[35] IS:4031-5 (1988) Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement. Part 5: Determination of initial and final setting times. Bur Indian Stand New Delhi.
[36] NZS (Standards New Zealand). 1998. Material and workmanship for earth buildings. NZS:4298. Wellington, New Zealand: NZS. Pakand, M., and V. Toufigh. 2017.
[37] ASTM (2012) ASTM D698: Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort. ASTM Int.
[38] D.D. Tripura, K.D. Singh, Mechanical behavior of rammed earth column: A comparison between unreinforced, steel and bamboo reinforced columns, Mater. Constr. (2018), https://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2018.11517.
[39] D.D. Tripura, K.D. Singh, Axial load-capacity of bamboo-steel reinforced cement stabilized rammed earth columns, Struct. Eng. Int. 29 (2019) 133– 143, https://doi.org/10.1080/10168664.2019.1528705.
[40] HB 195 (2002) The Australian earth building handbook. Standards Australia.
[41] IS 5816 (1999) Splitting tensile strength of concrete - Method of test. Bur Indian Stand New Delhi
[42] M. Hall, Y. Djerbib, Rammed earth sample production: Context, recommendations and consistency, Constr. Build. Mater. 18 (2004) 281–286.
[43] IS 4332: Part 5 (1970) Determination of unconfined compressive strength of stabilized soils. Bur Indian Stand New Delhi.
[44] C. Tang, B. Shi, W. Gao, et al. Strength and mechanical behavior of short polypropylene fiber reinforced and cement stabilized clayey soil, Geotext Geomembranes 25 (2007) 194–202.
[45] S.M.S. Hussaini, V. Toufigh, Strength and fracture behavior of rammed-earth materials, J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 31 (2019) 1–13.
[46] H. Khelifi, T. Lecompte, A. Perrot, G. Ausias, Mechanical enhancement of cement-stabilized soil by flax fiber reinforcement and extrusion processing, Mater. Struct. 49 (2016) 1143–1156.
[47] IS:2110 (1998) Code of practice for in situ construction of walls in buildings with soil-cement. Bur Indian Stand New Delhi
[48] D. Ciancio, P. Jaquin, P. Walker, Advances on the assessment of soil suitability for rammed earth, Constr. Build. Mater. 42 (2013) 40–47.
[49] K.A. Heathcote, Durability of earth wall buildings, Constr. Build. Mater. 9 (1995) 185–189.
[50] A. Guettala, ABhibus, H. Houari, Durability study of stabilized earth concrete under both laboratory and climatic conditions exposure, Constr. Build. Mater. 20 (2006) 119–127.
[51] Amin Ajabi Naeini, Sumi Siddiqua A novel stabilized rammed earth using pulp mill fly ash as alternative low carbon cementing material.
[52] Raj.S et al.(2017)Coconut fiber-reinforced cement-stabilized rammed earth Blocks.
[53] S.M. Hejazi, M. Sheikhzadeh, S.M. Abtahi, A. Zadhoush, A simple review of soil reinforcement by using natural and synthetic fibers, Constr. Build. Mater. 30 (2012) 100–116
[2] Burroughs, S., Recommendations for the selection, stabilization, and compaction of soil for rammed earth wall construction. J Green Build, 5(1), pp. 101–14, 2010. https:// doi.org/10.3992/jgb.5.1.101.
[3] Minke, G., Building with Earth: Design and Technology of a Sustainable Architecture. Basel, Switzerland: Burkhouse – Publishers for Architecture, 2006.
[4] Avila f. et al (2022) : Characterization of the mechanical and physical properties of stabilized rammed earth: A review.
[5] D.D. Tripura, K.D. Singh, Characteristic properties of cement-stabilized rammed earth Blocks, J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 27 (2015) 04014214
[6] Ciancio.D et al. Optimum lime content identification for lime-stabilized rammed earth(2014).
[7] R. Bahar, M. Benazzoug, S. Kenai, Performance of compacted cement-stabilized soil, Cement. Concr. Compos. 26 (2004) 811–820.
[8] P.J. Walker, Strength, durability and shrinkage characteristics of cement stabilized soil Blocks, Cem. Concr. Compos. 17 (1995) 301–310.
[9] Raavi.S & Tripura: Predicting and evaluating the engineering properties of unstabilized and cement stabilized fibre reinforced rammed earth blocks
[10] ] Gowthaman S, Nakashima K, Kawasaki S. A state-of-the-art review on soil reinforcement technology using natural plant fiber materials: past findings, present trends and future directions. Materials 2018;11:553. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ma11040553.
[11] M. Achenza, L. Fenu, On earth stabilization with natural polymers for earth masonry construction, Mater. Struct. 39 (2006) 21–27.
[12] F. Kesikidou, M. Stefani Dou, Natural fiber-reinforced mortars, J Build Eng. 25 (2019).
[13] Babu, G.L.S. & Vasudevan, A.K. (2008). “Strength and stiffness response of coir fiber reinforced tropical soils.” Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 20(9):571- 577.
[14] Donato, M., Foppa, D., Ceratti, J.A.P. & Consoli, N.C. (2004).” Polypropylene fibers as reinforcement for geotechnical materials.” Soils and Rocks, 27(2):161-179.
[15] A. Laborel-Préneron, J.E. Aubert, C. Magniont, et al.., Plant aggregates and fibers in earth construction materials: A review, Constr. Build. Mater. 111 (2016) 719–734.
[16] ] K. Ghavami, R.D. Toledo Filho, N.P. Barbosa, Behaviour of composite soil reinforced with natural fibers, Cem. Concr. Compos. 21 (1999) .
[17] Bouficha, M., F. Aouissi, and S. Kenai. 2005. “Performance of composite soil reinforced with barley straw.” Cem. Concr. Compos.27(5):617–621. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2004.09.013.
[18] J.S. Yadav, S.K. Tiwari, Behaviour of cement stabilized treated coir fiber reinforced clay-pond ash mixtures, J Build Eng. 8 (2016) 131–140. [18] S.S. Raj, A.K. Sharma, K.B. Anand, Performance appraisal of coal ash stabilized rammed earth, J Build Eng. (2018) 51–57.
[19] H. Danso, D.B. Martinson, M. Ali, J. Williams, Effect of fiber aspect ratio on mechanical properties of soil building Blocks, Constr. Build. Mater. 83 (2015) 314–319.
[20] S. Yetgin, Ö. Çavdar, A. Çavdar, The effects of the fiber contents on the mechanical properties of the adobes, Constr. Build. Mater. 22 (2008) 222–227.
[21] F. Parisi, D. Asprone, L. Fenu, A. Prota, Experimental characterization of Italian composite adobe Blocks reinforced with straw fibers, Compos. Struct. 122 (2015) 300–307.
[22] S. Raj, S. Mohammad, R. Das, S. Saha, Coconut fiber reinforced cement stabilized rammed earth Blocks, World J. Eng. 14 (2017) 208–216.
[23] M. Tajdini, M. Hajialilue Bonab, S. Golmohammadi, an experimental investigation on the effect of adding natural and synthetic fibers on mechanical and behavioral parameters of soil-cement materials, Int. J. Civ. Eng. (2018).
[24] Aquino A.et al. : Compressed earth block reinforced with coconut fibers and stabilized with aloe vera and lime(2020).
[25] D. Toledo Romillo, FD, Ghavami K, G.L. England, K. Scrivener (2003) Development of vegetable fiber-mortar composites of improved durability. Cem Concr Compos 25:185–196
[26] Fagon M. et al.: Jute fabric as a reinforcement for rammed earth structures
[27] Shwetha Prasanna &Nevil Macedon Mendes: Application of Jute Fiber in Soil Stabilization.
[28] S. Sangma, D.D. Tripura, Characteristic Properties of Unstabilized, Stabilized and Fibre-Reinforced Cob Blocks, Struct. Eng. Int. 1–9 (2019), https://doi.org/ 10.1080/10168664.2019.1690957.
[29] IS 2720: Part 4 (1985) Indian Standard, Methods of Test for Soils, Part 4: Grain Size Analysis. Bur Indian Stand New Delhi.
[30] IS 2720: Part 5 (1995) Determination of Atterberg Limits (Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit). Bur Indian Stand New Delhi.
[31] IS 2720: Part 7 (1980) Determination of water content-dry density relation using light compaction. Bur Indian Stand New Delhi.
[32] Jaquin, P. A. (2008). “Development and spread of the rammed earth technique.” Historic rammed earth, http://www.historicrammedearth.co.uk/Lehm_2008.jpgæ (Jul. 8, 2012).
[33] Manatoids V, Walker P (2003) A review of rammed earth construction. Dev rammed earth UK House. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.126693
[34] IS 8112 (2013) Ordinary Portland Cement, 43 Grade - Specification. Bur Indian Stand New Delhi.
[35] IS:4031-5 (1988) Methods of physical tests for hydraulic cement. Part 5: Determination of initial and final setting times. Bur Indian Stand New Delhi.
[36] NZS (Standards New Zealand). 1998. Material and workmanship for earth buildings. NZS:4298. Wellington, New Zealand: NZS. Pakand, M., and V. Toufigh. 2017.
[37] ASTM (2012) ASTM D698: Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort. ASTM Int.
[38] D.D. Tripura, K.D. Singh, Mechanical behavior of rammed earth column: A comparison between unreinforced, steel and bamboo reinforced columns, Mater. Constr. (2018), https://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2018.11517.
[39] D.D. Tripura, K.D. Singh, Axial load-capacity of bamboo-steel reinforced cement stabilized rammed earth columns, Struct. Eng. Int. 29 (2019) 133– 143, https://doi.org/10.1080/10168664.2019.1528705.
[40] HB 195 (2002) The Australian earth building handbook. Standards Australia.
[41] IS 5816 (1999) Splitting tensile strength of concrete - Method of test. Bur Indian Stand New Delhi
[42] M. Hall, Y. Djerbib, Rammed earth sample production: Context, recommendations and consistency, Constr. Build. Mater. 18 (2004) 281–286.
[43] IS 4332: Part 5 (1970) Determination of unconfined compressive strength of stabilized soils. Bur Indian Stand New Delhi.
[44] C. Tang, B. Shi, W. Gao, et al. Strength and mechanical behavior of short polypropylene fiber reinforced and cement stabilized clayey soil, Geotext Geomembranes 25 (2007) 194–202.
[45] S.M.S. Hussaini, V. Toufigh, Strength and fracture behavior of rammed-earth materials, J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 31 (2019) 1–13.
[46] H. Khelifi, T. Lecompte, A. Perrot, G. Ausias, Mechanical enhancement of cement-stabilized soil by flax fiber reinforcement and extrusion processing, Mater. Struct. 49 (2016) 1143–1156.
[47] IS:2110 (1998) Code of practice for in situ construction of walls in buildings with soil-cement. Bur Indian Stand New Delhi
[48] D. Ciancio, P. Jaquin, P. Walker, Advances on the assessment of soil suitability for rammed earth, Constr. Build. Mater. 42 (2013) 40–47.
[49] K.A. Heathcote, Durability of earth wall buildings, Constr. Build. Mater. 9 (1995) 185–189.
[50] A. Guettala, ABhibus, H. Houari, Durability study of stabilized earth concrete under both laboratory and climatic conditions exposure, Constr. Build. Mater. 20 (2006) 119–127.
[51] Amin Ajabi Naeini, Sumi Siddiqua A novel stabilized rammed earth using pulp mill fly ash as alternative low carbon cementing material.
[52] Raj.S et al.(2017)Coconut fiber-reinforced cement-stabilized rammed earth Blocks.
[53] S.M. Hejazi, M. Sheikhzadeh, S.M. Abtahi, A. Zadhoush, A simple review of soil reinforcement by using natural and synthetic fibers, Constr. Build. Mater. 30 (2012) 100–116
