Effects of Natural Fiber Reinforcement on Water Absorption of Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks

Abstract

This paper discusses the influence of fiber reinforcement on water absorption of compressed stabilized earth blocks for its suitability in block production. The mix proportion of the control blocks was 76.9% sand, 23% fines and 8% cement. Meanwhile, the palm kernel fiber contents ranged from 1% to 5% by weight. The experimental design was completely randomized with 3 replications. The findings of this study show that water absorption increased with fiber content. Water absorption values for the different fiber contents ranged between 5.68% and 12.53%. The value of absorption for the control was 5.65%. The lower values correspond to 1% fiber content while the higher values correspond to 5% fiber content. There was no signifi- cant difference between the control and both 1% and 2% fiber content (P˂0.05). Also soil sample from Enugu State was found to be suitable for earth block production without modification.