Strength and fracture toughness of earth-based natural fiber-reinforced composites
2015; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 50; Issue: 9 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1177/0021998315589769
ISSN1530-793X
AutoresKabiru Mustapha, Ebenezer Annan, Salifu T. Azeko, M. G. Zebaze Kana, Winston O. Soboyejo,
Tópico(s)Hygrothermal properties of building materials
ResumoThis paper presents the results of a combined experimental and theoretical study of the strength, fracture toughness, and resistance-curve behavior of natural fiber-reinforced earth-based composite materials. The composites, which consist of mixtures of laterite, clay, and straw, are stabilized with controlled levels of Ordinary Portland cement. The compositional dependence of compressive, flexural/bend strength, and fracture toughness are explored for different proportions of the constituent materials using composites and crack-tip shielding models. The underlying crack-microstructure interactions associated with resistance-curve behavior were also studied using in situ/ex situ optical microscopy. This revealed evidence of crack bridging by the straw fibers. The measured resistance-curve behavior is also shown to be consistent with predictions from small- and large-scale bridging models. The implications of the results are then discussed for potential applications in the design of robust earth-based building materials for sustainable eco-friendly homes.
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