Investigation into the properties of compressed earth bricks stabilized with cow dung and reinforced with palm fruit fibres

Abstract

Using Agro-waste to reinforce earth bricks has been encouraged by many researchers these days. In this study, the properties of compressed earth bricks reinforced with cow dung (CD) and palm fruit fibres (PFF) were investigated. Experiments were conducted to determine the particle size distribution, fibre aspect ratio, density, water absorption, compressive strength, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance of the specimens. Materials used for the study were earth, palm fruit fibres (PFF), cow dung (CD), and water. The particle size distribution was done according to BS EN 1377-1. Water used for the study was conformed to BS EN 1008. The materials for the study were mixed manually and moulding of the specimens was done mechanically by a compressed hydraulic brick moulding machine of mould size 100mm X 100mm X 130mm. The specimens were cured using the air-drying method for 28 days. The number of specimens used for the study was 150. The density and compressive strength of the specimen was determined in accordance with BS EN 772-1. Water absorption was also determined in accordance with BS EN 772-11. Split tensile strength test was determined using BS EN 12390-6 as a guide. The abrasion resistance of the specimens was determined using the surface wire brushing method. Data obtained were analysed using Microsoft Excel v.15 and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. It was revealed that the density of specimens decreased with increasing CD and PFF content, while the water absorption of the specimens increased with increasing CD and PFF content. Additionally, the study revealed that the compressive strength, split tensile strength abrasion resistance decreased with increase in CD and PFF content. One-Way ANOVA analysis revealed that there are no significant differences between the control bricks and those reinforced with CD and PFF in terms of the compressive strength and the split tensile strength of the specimens. Therefore, the study recommends that compressed earth bricks reinforced with cow dung and palm fruit fibres should be used for non-load-bearing walls.