The economic and environmental problems related to energy consumption in the building sector require the search for alternative solutions to build more comfortable houses at lower cost. This study aims to explore how different lengths of date palm fibers affect the mechanical and thermal properties of compressive earth blocks (CEBs), which are a cost-efficient alternative to adobe with unique moisture regulation and heat retention capabilities. CEBs are formed by compressing earth, a process that can be enhanced by adding a binder, typically Portland cement, for stabilization. The research focuses on analyzing CEB samples with varying cement contents (0%, 5%, 10%, and 12%) in a dry state and incorporates four levels of fiber contents (0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.7% by weight of the dry mixture), with fibers having average lengths of 0.5cm, 1.5cm, and 3.5cm.

The research found that compressive earth blocks made with 0.3% fiber content at a length of 3.5cm and 12% cement exhibited enhanced compression and flexural strength. Additionally, the study observed a negative correlation between fiber content and thermal conductivity, indicating that as the fiber proportion increased, thermal conductivity decreased. Therefore, the overall mechanical and thermal properties of CEBs were generally improved by incorporating cement and varying lengths of date palm fibers.

compressed earth blocks, cement, thermal conductivity, compressive strength, flexural strength, date palm fibers

Received: January 8, 2024; Accepted: February 16, 2024; Published: March 14, 2024

How to cite this article: M. Laatar, S. Nasla, H. Lbakhkhouch, M. Kheltent, K. Gueraoui and M. Cherraj, Analyzing effects of different dosages of cement and date palm fiber lengths on the mechanical and thermal characteristics of compressed earth blocks, JP Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer 37(2) (2024), 201-216. http://dx.doi.org/10.17654/0973576324014

This Open Access Article is Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

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