Work

The Effect of Timing Polymer Fiber Addition on the Compressive Strength of Adobe Bricks: Towards an Approach Compatible with Sustainable Architecture

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In the context of advancing sustainable local building materials, this study evaluates the mechanical impact of polypropylene (PP) fiber reinforcement on adobe bricks, specifically addressing the novel variable of fiber addition timing relative to the traditional 45-day biological fermentation process. Two experimental scenarios were investigated: fiber addition before fermentation and fiber addition after fermentation. In the pre-fermentation scenario, the unreinforced control specimen achieved the highest mean compressive strength (1.92 MPa), followed by reduced values of 1.66 MPa (0.25%), 1.60 MPa (0.50%), and 1.55 MPa (1.00%). In the post-fermentation scenario, the control recorded 1.81 MPa, while the PP-reinforced mixtures reached 1.73 MPa (0.25%), 1.65 MPa (0.50%), and 1.77 MPa (1.00%). Across both stages, PP fibers consistently decreased in strength due to weak bonding at the fiber–soil interface, as their hydrophobic nature disrupts the fermentation-derived biopolymer network formed by straw decomposition. Overall, this study highlights the limitations of synthetic fiber reinforcement within biologically stabilized adobe and contributes to the ongoing development of sustainable earthen construction systems.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings15244565

Authors: Abdullah Y. Alnahar, Khalid Abolkhair, Hamad A. Albrithen, Abdulrahman A. Altassan

Institution: King Saud University

Language: English

Topic: Hygrothermal properties of building materials

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137