Strength and durability features of fiber reinforced geo-polymer earth bricks

Abstract

Merely 30% of the world and 50% of developing countries have buildings made of earth. More than 25% of the world’s available natural soil resources are used effectively. The parameters related to the soil are probably the most critical problem for both strength and long-term durability. An attempt tried to solve, Geo-Polymer Earth Bricks are made to improve strength, durability, and modernize earthen architecture. Seventy-two specimens in which the proportion of Fly Ash, Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag, soil, and Quarry Dust (0.5:0.5:1.75:0.25) are prepared and tested after 7 and 28 days. The dosages of coir fiber are selected as 1% of the brick weight and alkaline solution of 10 Molarities. The mix gives enhancement of compressive and flexural strength of 5.93 MPa and 3.43 MPa. The mixed formulations give better resistance against acidic and sulfate attack and enhanced compressive strength up to 40%. The standard deviation and coefficient of variation of brick specimen test results for the mix met less than ±2% and 10% found true value and very good. This research confirms the mix enhancing the strength and durability of the brick and also suggests alternate to burnt clay brick, acid, and sulphate resistant brick and stabilized mud blocks.

Keywords

• geo-polymer earth brick
• strength and durability features
• fly ash
• un-burnt brick
• ground granulated blast-furnace slag
• quarry dust
• coir fiber wastes
• geo-polymer binder system