Analysis of Engineering Properties of Laterite Blocks Reinforced with Pineapple Leaf Fibres

Abstract

This study focused on investigating the engineering properties of cement stabilized laterite soil blocks reinforced with treated pineapple leaves fibres (T-PALF) and untreated ones (N-PALF). The fibre content in the blocks ranged from 0 to 5% in proportion of 1% by weight. Three types of blocks were casted: cubical, rectangular and cylindrical. The cubical blocks measured 140*140*140 mm and were used for compression, water absorption and density analysis. The rectangular ones measured 290*140*120 mm and were used for flexural strength, abrasion and drop test assessment. The cylinder blocks measured 100 mm in diameter and 150 mm in height and were used for splitting tensile tests. The blocks were stabilized with 3 and 5% cement. The compressive strength was assessed at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of curing but the flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, water absorption, abrasion, and drop test were conducted at 28th day of curing. Density was determined at 14, 21 and 28 days of curing. The results show that the performance of blocks reinforced with T-PALF was better than those with N-PALF. In addition, there was a significant increase of flexural strength of blocks reinforced with T-PALF. The highest compressive strength of the blocks was obtained at 28 days of curing. The corresponding values of blocks stabilized with 3 and 5% of cement reinforced with T-PALF were 4.01 and 4.81 MPa, respectively, while the one reinforced with N-PALF were 3.19 and 4.63 MPa, respectively. The results further show that the highest flexural strength of both stabilized blocks at 3 and 5% of cement reinforced with T-PALF and N-PALF were obtained with the blocks stabilized with 5% of cement reinforced with T-PALF. The high value of tensile strength has led to increase of compressive and flexural strength of the blocks. It was observed that the water absorption of the blocks increased with increase of the fibre content, but those reinforced with N-PALF absorbed more water than those reinforced with T-PALF. The cost benefit analysis shows that it is less expensive to produce soil blocks reinforced PALF as compared to commercially clay burnt bricks.