Journal of Civil Engineering
Vol 39, No 2 (2024)

Reinforcing Bricks with Natural Fibres: A Review

Ling, Jen Hua (University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia)
Lim, Yong Tat (University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia)
Leong, Wen Kam (University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia)
Sia, How Teck (University of Technology Sarawak, Malaysia)



Article Info

Publish Date
26 Nov 2024

Abstract

Natural fibres are biomass waste that agriculture generates in abundance. Lacking environmental awareness, biomass waste is often improperly disposed of. This raises environmental concerns. Natural fibres might be used as building materials, such as bricks. This might be a viable alternative for sustainable development. In this study, articles on the use of natural fibres in bricks are reviewed. The purposes were to study their influence on the structural behaviour of fibre-reinforced bricks and to identify their prospects and challenges. Natural fibres were found to reduce the brick's density, drying shrinkage, thermal conductivity, and workability. They boosted the compressive, tensile, flexural, and tensile splitting strengths, as well as the water absorption capacity. Natural fibres can only be used in limited amounts in bricks, usually less than 5%. This prevents significant strength loss and excessive water absorption. This study points out the drawbacks of natural fibres, such as inconsistent properties, dimensional changes, combustibility, decay susceptibility, and microbiological growth susceptibility. These shortcomings should be addressed before commercialising fibre-reinforced bricks. To overcome the problems, natural fibres may need to be carefully screened and treated before being used in bricks.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jce

Publisher

Subject

Description

Journal of Civil Engineering merupakan jurnal bidang teknik sipil yang mengacu pada sistem standar internasional dalam pengelolaannya dengan tujuan utama memajukan bidang teknik sipil melalui publikasi ilmiah demi terwujudnya kemudahan mendapatkan ilmu dan informasi serta mendukung kemajuan ...