1. Characteristic Properties of Natural Aggregate Incorporated Fibre Reinforced Compressed Earth Blocks

This study focuses on the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of unstabilized and stabilized compressed earth blocks (CSEBs) with incorporation of natural aggregates (NA) and coir fibres. Several mixes were prepared in two stages with cement contents (0, 4, 7, and 10%), natural aggregates (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40%), and fibres (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75%) by weight of soil to stipulate the optimum mix combination for CSEB production. In first stage, the optimum dosage of natural aggregate was determined, and then the maximum content of fibre was found with optimal dosage of natural aggregate. Results suggest that the addition of natural aggregate up to 30% increases the strength of unstabilized blocks. CSEBs made with cement content ≥4% improves the strength and durability. As the cement content reaches to 10%, the inclusion of 30% aggregate provides the maximum strength beyond that strength drops but the water absorption steadily decreases with increase in NA content. Inclusion of 0.5% coir fibre alone significantly improves the strength of both stabilized and unstabilized earth blocks. The addition of fibres further improves the strength of aggregate incorporated blocks. Overall, considering the strength and durability the mix made of 10% cement, 30% NA and 0.5% fibre was suggested.