Enhancing mechanical properties and water resistance characteristics through stabilization techniques: A study on earth blocks reinforced with wood fiber-cement composites

Stabilized earth blocks are attracting renewed interest throughout the world thanks to its "green" characteristics in the context of sustainable development. However, these blocks often exhibit limitations in terms of mechanical strength and water resistance properties. The current challenge lies in finding effective stabilization techniques that can enhance the performance of earth blocks. without compromising their eco-friendly nature or significantly increasing costs. This project was aimed at investigating and developing effective stabilization techniques using wood fiber-cement composites to enhance the mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural strength) and water resistance characteristics (water absorption) of earth blocks. This project involved experimental studies such as particle size analysis, moisture content, organic content, specific gravity, dry density, plasticity index and a mix design, compressive strength test, flexural strength test, water absorption test with cement percentages of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% ,8% and 0%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% wood fiber composite. The results obtained showed that increasing the cement content and the wood fiber content to 1.5% leads to an increase in the compressive strength of 64.88% and flexural strength of 41.67% compared to the reference at 0%. However, beyond 1.5% wood fiber content, the compressive and flexural strength experiences a degradation. The waster absorption capacity of the block generally decreases as the cement content increases due to a reduction in the porosity of the block. This formulation can therefore be used in construction of buildings in areas where use of locally available soil resources will promote environmentally friendly and cost-effective building practices.