INFLUENCE OF THE ADDITION OF LIME ON A MATRIX EARTH REINFORCED WITH COCONUT FIBER

The present research is based on improving the stability, resistance to moisture degradation and fire resistance of molded soil blocks for use in housing construction. The main objective was to include fibers obtained from the shell of the coconut fruit and slaked lime. The methodology includes a prior characterization of the materials using the Eades and Grim method (ASTM D6276), density test, Atterberg limits and granulometric study; and then combine the fiber and lime into a local soil matrix. It is then subjected to water absorption and erosion tests, and is also subjected to direct fire. The results reveal that the additions of 0.5% fiber and 7% lime showed changes in the weight of the blocks, at the same time improvements in the resistance to water absorption and also good fire resistance. Finally, the results are compared with the scientific literature consulted, in order to correlate them with each other.