Strengthening Earthen Building Materials with Cellulose Fibres

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of cellulose fibres (CF) to improve the structural properties of rammed earth. The cellulose fibres, derived from recycled newspapers and typically offered as blown-in insulation, are mixed into the rammed earth mixture. The results indicate that even modest additions of CF (20 vol.%) significantly increase compressive strength by an average of 14%, highlighting CF's potential as an eco-friendly additive for enhancing earthen materials. The use of 50 vol.% CF reduces the material's density by 12%, while reaching the threshold for load-bearing applications. At the same time, the measurement of the shrinkage dimension shows that the greater addition of water leads to shrinkage deformations of over 2%. However, this improvement in density enhances transportability and reduces the ecological footprint of construction logistics. Nevertheless, these mixtures also exhibit increased ductility. While the reduced density benefits transportation, it does not yet provide sufficient thermal insulation. Larger CF proportions (up to 70 vol.-%) resulted in lighter mixtures but failed to meet the threshold for load-bearing applications.

These findings indicate that CF has significant potential as an additive to enhance the performance of clay-based building materials. By utilizing recycled waste materials, CF offers a sustainable, recyclable solution that aligns with eco-friendly construction practices. This research paves the way for innovative approaches in sustainable development, promoting greener alternatives in the construction industry.