EXPERIMENTAL COMPARISON FOR PHYSICAL AND THERMAL CHARACTERIZATION OF COMPRESSED EARTH BLOCK REINFORCED WITH FIBERS AND BLOCK REINFORCED WITH CORK AGGREGATES

Abstract

This study experimentally compares the physical and thermal properties of compressed earth blocks (CEB) stabilized with 4% of lime and reinforced with different materials. The investigated reinforcements include sisal fibers, barley straw fibers, and cork aggregates. Additionally, a reference block without any reinforcement is analyzed. The research aims to explore the impact of these reinforcements on the performance of CEB, where the physical characterization of these blocks includes assessing bulk density, water absorption, and porosity. Compressed earth block reinforced with cork (CEC) demonstrated a significant reduction in open porosity (53.85% lower), indicating enhanced insulation properties due to decreased porosity. These parameters are crucial for determining the suitability of the blocks for various environmental conditions and construction needs. Lime stabilization enhances the durability and moisture resistance of the earth blocks. Also, the addition of organic fibers (sisal and barley straw) and cork aggregates further influence these physical properties, leading to variations in weight, absorption rates, and porosity. In terms of thermal properties, the study evaluates thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity. The natural insulation properties of cork aggregates, sisal, and barley straw fibers enhance the thermal efficiency of the blocks, potentially making them more suitable for energy-efficient building designs. CEC bricks presented the lowest thermal conductivity (0.421W/mK) recording a decrease of 28.03% compared to CEB, indicating the best insulation capability among the tested materials, a vital factor for efficiency of energy.