Earthen blocks with Synthetic Fibres – A Review

Abstract

Abstract In recent times, sustainability in daily routine aspects is gaining momentum, which increases use of earthen material as a building material and it plays a vital role in the construction of any buildings, when it is enhanced with the fibres(PET, polythene, polypropylene etc.). This study presents the comprehensive review of earthen blocks reinforced with the synthetic fibres like (polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, glass fibres, steel fibres, nylon fibres, polyvinyl alcohol) and discussed about the physical and mechanical properties of the earthen blocks reinforced with these fibres. The literature search was performed with the google scholar and web of science search engines. Polypropylene fibre, PET fibres, Polyethylene fibres have good strength when it is reinforced with earthen blocks. The soil and the fibres are stabilized with cement and chemicals respectively to makeearthen blocks. The treatment of fibre before adding as a reinforcing agent and some tests are missing in many studies. Future studies can be conducted on the effect of fibre treatment and the performance of the synthetic fibre reinforced earthen block.