Physico-mechanical characterization of compressed earth blocks reinforced with waste fibers from calamus rotang: Case of the elastic soil of western region of Cameroon

Abstract

In order to enhance the value of local materials and contribute to reducing construction costs in Cameroon, rattan waste is used to reinforce compressed earth blocks (CEB). This main work’s objective is the study of the effect of rattan waste on the physical and mechanical properties of CEB. For this, a soil sample taken in the western region of Cameroon, more precisely in Bangangté, was analyzed, the analysis includes the granulometric analysis, the Atterberg limits, and the Proctor test. Then the CEB samples with different rattan waste contents, that is 0%, 2%, 4% and 6%, were developed for a compaction stress of 7.5 MPa. These different samples were characterized through mechanical and physical tests carried out in the laboratory. It appears that the blocks reinforced with 2% of rattan waste have better mechanical characteristics, respectively 0.70 MPa in three-point bending and 3.04 MPa in compression. On the other hand, the presence of rattan wastes has a positive effect on the mechanical behavior of the composite, by increasing its ductility compared to the fragile behavior of the control block, which is observed during crushing. Thus the mechanical properties of CEB improve with the incorporation of rattan waste, which is optimal for a content of 2%. But they increase the material's porosity, and then its sensitivity to water unlike the control CEB.