Influence of Jute Fibers to Improve Flexural Toughness, Impact Resistance and Drying Shrinkage Cracking in Adobe Mixes

Abstract

Flexural toughness, impact resistance and shrinkage cracking performance of earthen materials can be improved with the addition of fibers. There are limited studies addressing these properties in fiber-mixed adobe. This study investigates the use of jute fibers, a natural one derived from plants, in adobe mixes, including a sensitivity analysis on dosage and lengths of incorporated fibers. The results show that fiber-reinforced adobe’s flexural toughness and shrinkage are sensitive to the dosage, whereas impact resistance is sensitive to both fiber dosage as well as fiber length.