Computation of Mechanical Properties of Earthen Matrix Reinforced by Straw Fibers Using 3D Modeling

Abstract

Over the past decades, there has been an increasing interest to raw earth as an eco-construction material for its local character and the low energy consumption that characterizes its global life cycle. However, its relatively low mechanical resistance and its sensitivity to water block the development of this material. The aim of the present work is to raise the mechanical properties of earthen bricks by adding straw fibers. Thus, a 3D model is developed under Catia V5, and then imported to Ansys software to carry out the tensile test taking into account the boundary conditions and the computation hypotheses in order to calculate the Young's modulus and the Poisson's ratio of the earth-straw composite material. The obtained results were in line with those deducted from the 2D investigation and the existing theoretical models. They show an improvement in the mechanical behavior of the homogenous material.