Reuse of livestock waste for the reinforcement of rammed-earth materials: investigation on mechanical performances

Abstract

Agricultural wastes as additive within raw earth materials could both improve mechanical and physical properties of new sustainable construction materials and enhance waste management in a circular economy perspective. This study intends to fill the lack of knowledge considering the mechanical effects of animal fibers on rammed earth materials. The effects of a livestock waste, i.e., sheep wool fiber (SWF), as reinforcing element in building components produced by using raw earth and lime-free mortars, have been evaluated. Linear shrinkage, flexural strength, and compressive strength were evaluated on samples incorporating SWF, with the aim of assessing the effects of this waste addition on the mechanical performances of a new bio-composite material. The samples were made by varying the content of wool (0.25 % or 0.50%weight) and the length of the fibers (from 10 mm to 40 mm). The best result of the flexural strength was 1.06 MPa, exhibited by samples made with the longest and highest percentage of fibers, 40 mm and 0.50%, respectively. The addition of SWF to adobe bricks changed their failure mode, from fragile to ductile, reduced dry density and shrinkage rate.

Thermal Performance, Microstructure Analysis and Strength Characterisation of Agro-Waste Reinforced Soil Materials

“…The addition of wool increased the ability of the composite to support load even after the first crack and the ultimate strain leading to a ductile failure mode before the collapse. Parlato et al [38] considered the energy absorbed by the fibrous and nonfibrous earthen material until the deflection at the final fracture. By assessing the fracture energy, measured as the area under the load-displacement curve, the structural response of the material in terms of first-crack resistance, post-cracking performance, and energy absorption capability, has been evaluated.…”

“…Furtherm compared to standard thermal and acoustic insulation materials (such as p foam, polystyrene, glass wool, and rock wool), wool is more efficient while h duced carbon footprint. This wool is unsuitable for the textile industry becau is of thick and medium-length fibres [38]. By current Regulations (EC Regu (2009), EU Regulation 142 (2011)), wool is an animal by-product (ABPs) requir procedures for handling, treatment and disposal, and transportation; this mea posal costs for breeders.…”

Mechanical Strength, Characterization and Suitability of Cement-Plastic Concrete Admixture

“…When added to raw earth materials, plastic wastes have the potential to improve waste management from a circular economy standpoint and enhance the mechanical and physical properties of newly developed sustainable construction materials (C Monica et al, 2023). The construction industry is currently the primary driver of environmental degradation, global warming, and climate change, accounting for 50% of carbon emissions, 20% to 50% of energy and natural resource use, and 50% of total solid waste generation (I Vasilca et al, 2021).…”