Bibliographic details and abstracts are available to all. Downloads of full-text dissertations are restricted to University of Portsmouth members who must login. MPhils may be accessed by all.

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental investigation into the mechanical properties of jute-fibre-reinforced compressed earth blocks. This research seeks to understand the compressive behaviour of fibre-reinforced compressed earth blocks. Physical testing was performed on compressed earth blocks and various cylindrical specimens with varying aspect ratios. The addition of jute fibre dosages that were determined using the subsoil's maximum dry density at optimum moisture content in their natural moisture condition. To isolate the test variable, the fibre content, fibre length, and moisture condition remained constant.
The compressive strength and dry density of the reinforced compressed earth cylinders were shown to be dependent on the aspect ratio, ranging from 5.47 ± 0.16 MPa to 1.88 ± 0.21 MPa and 1649.92 ± 1.5715 kg/m3 to 1857.85 ± 21 kg/m3, respectively. It was found that the compressive behaviour of jute-fibre-reinforced compressed earth blocks increases with a decrease in aspect ratio. The dry jute fibre-reinforced compressed earth block exhibited a compressive strength of 5.47 ± 0.16 MPa and a shrinkage variation of 1.5% in terms of dimensional stability. A significant correlation between dry density and the compressive strength of the jute-fibre-reinforced compressed earth block was found. It was found that strength development was dependent on the aspect ratio. The influence of density on the mechanical properties of jute-fibre-reinforced compressed earth blocks has been assessed. Proposals for future development of the compressive behaviour of jute-fibre compressed earth blocks are outlined.

Course: Civil Engineering - MEng - U0178178YC

Date Deposited: 2023-07-13

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14150.html