Valorization of piassava fiber by its incorporation in adobe bricks

This study investigates valorization of piassava fiber through its incorporation in adobe bricks. The objective was to analyze the properties of adobe bricks reinforced with varying weight fractions of piassava fiber. The fibers were characterized for their chemical and physical characteristics, while the sand and clay were characterized for granulometry, XRD patterns, and EDX. Initial bricks were prepared with a constant piassava fiber weight fraction of 3% and varying sand:clay weight ratios. The mechanical properties of the adobe bricks were evaluated, and subsequent investigations involved variable fiber weight fractions of 0.5%, 1%, and 3%. Characterization included compressive characterization, apparent density, three-point bending, resistance to water erosion, and cracking behavior. The results showed that the physical and chemical characteristics of the fibers were consistent with the existing literature. The adobe bricks exhibited a range of apparent density values and compressive strength, with the S40C60P3 brick demonstrating higher strength and reduced crack visibility. The bricks with 3% fiber content outperformed others in terms of bending strength and displacement before fracture. Erosion tests revealed that higher fiber contents resulted in lower levels of mass loss and erosion depth. These findings highlight the potential of piassava fiber incorporation in adobe bricks for enhancing their properties.