Comparative study of the effects of natural fibers on the physical, thermal and mechanical properties of soil building blocks

S. Oubeddou; M. Amazal; S. Mounir; A. Souidi; M.  Atigui; H. Demrati; Y.  Maaloufa

doi:10.3989/mc.2025.408425

Authors

S. Oubeddou Thermodynamics and Energetics Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Ibn Zohr University https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5822-9926
M. Amazal Thermodynamics and Energetics Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Ibn Zohr University https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3289-6764
S. Mounir Thermodynamics and Energetics Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Ibn Zohr University - National School of Architecture Agadir, new complex Ibn Zohr https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1295-8334
A. Souidi Thermodynamics and Energetics Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Ibn Zohr University https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4661-0725
M. Atigui Thermodynamics and Energetics Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Ibn Zohr University https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0503-5249
H. Demrati Thermodynamics and Energetics Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Ibn Zohr University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8437-1164
Y. Maaloufa Thermodynamics and Energetics Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Ibn Zohr University - National School of Architecture Agadir, new complex Ibn Zohr https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1561-641X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2025.408425

Keywords:

Adobes, Thermo-physical properties, Mechanical properties, Coconut, Juncus, Microstructure

Abstract

With a view to valorizing local resources, juncus fibers have recently been used as reinforcements in building materials. The aim of this study is to compare their thermophysical and mechanical behavior in adobe with that of coconut fibers, which are generally imported and not available locally. Raw materials were subjected to chemical, geotechnical, mineralogical and microstructural characterization. Different volumetric percentages of the two types of fiber (0%, 10%, 20%) were incorporated into the adobes. The thermal conductivity, apparent density and mechanical strength of the adobes were determined for each sample. The microstructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The addition of 20% juncus fibers improves thermal performance by 12.34%, compared with 10.6% for coconut fibers, with a decrease in mechanical strength due to poor fiber–matrix adhesion observed by SEM.

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References

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