Enhancing Earth-based Building Materials: Effect of Palm Fibre Reinforcement on Compressive Strength

Abstract

The rising need for affordable and eco-friendly housing occasioned by a surge in global population growth, the ever-increasing cost of building materials and environmental concerns has been an issue of concern over the last few decades. This has necessitated continuous research and development of affordable and eco-friendly building materials for low- and middle-income earners. This research evaluated the effect of oil palm fibre on the compressive strength of compressed earth blocks. Oil palm fibre was added to the soil matrix at 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% by weight of laterite. The blocks were cured for 28 days after which they were tested. The results obtained indicate that the addition of palm fibre up to 1% in the matrix increased the compressive strength to a  maximum of 1.38N/mm2. Further addition of palm fibre in the matrix resulted in a decrease of the compressive strength. An optimum reinforcement of the blocks with 1% palm fibre is recommended.