The Compressive Strength of Unfired Clay Brick with Sugarcane Bagasse Fiber (SBF) and Bio-Enzyme Reinforcements

Abstract

The architecture and construction industries play an important role in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly environmental ones. These industries currently contribute to high carbon emissions and high energy consumption, as common building materials are among the leading causes of environmental damage. The production of earthen materials, namely clay brick, requires a great deal of energy and emits carbon to the atmosphere in the kiln-firing process. Previous studies have used natural fibers, such as sugarcane bagasse fiber (SBF), and fermented vegetable extracts as reinforcements for use in unfired clay brick. This paper aims to investigate the effects of SBF and bio-enzymes as reinforcements on the compressive strength of unfired clay brick. The experiment produced four types of specimens, each one with the same composition ratios but containing different ingredients. A total of 120 brick samples measuring 50 mm × 50 mm × 50 mm were produced manually. They were cured for 28 days at a room temperature of 28±2°C before their compressive strength was measured. The results showed that adding SBF to the samples increased their compressive strength. Moreover, adding both SBF and bio-enzymes led to the highest compressive strength measurements compared to the other specimens.