Study of the Phyco-Mechanical Behavior of Raw Clay Bricks from Cameroon Stabilized with Lime Reinforced with Tropical Vegetable Fibers
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: This work focuses on the geotechnical characterization of the raw earth material on the one hand and the other hand, mechanical and physical characterization of the raw clay bricks from Cameroon stabilized with lime reinforced with tropical plant fibers. This idea arises from the fact that housing in southern Cameroon is made of unstabilized mud bricks that crumble over time and are, therefore, unsustainable. They must be replaced by BTC. The objective of this work was to determine the physical and mechanical properties of raw clay bricks, which could be used for construction in this area. For this study, the experimental method was used. It was carried out through tests such as: geotechnical for the earth, mechanical and physical. It appears that the material used is plastic clay soil with an optimum density of 1.301g/cm3. The following formulations were made: Clays + fibers and Clays + Lime (12% stabilizer) + fibers at different percentages (1.5%, 2.5%, 3.5%, 4.5%) and tested after 28 days. It appears that these bricks in Raw clays have interesting properties. The lightest are clay bricks + 4.5% coconut fibers with 12% lime with an apparent density of 1.12 g/cm3. Water losses increase over time. The results indicate that there is an improvement in the compressive strength of the blocks, with the formulation having the best constraints being the 2.5% palm nut with a value of 7.36MPa. While the flexural strength of the different formulations with the best constraints is the 2.5% coconut fibers with a value of 5.99MPa. It appears that the addition of fibers to the clay increases the shear stress, whatever the content. Also, the highest shear stress is obtained with 2.5% palm nut fiber content at 12% lime. The results obtained by mechanical testing on these BTC, compared to those of the standard on BTC, show that all the formulations carried out can be used for the construction of homes in the southern Cameroon zone.
Institutions: University of Douala, Université d’Ébolowa
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4396590643