Flexural study of textile-reinforced compressed earth blocks

Abstract

The negligible tensile strength of rammed earth and its lack of strain energy dissipation along tensile breaking process might compromise its application in many structural elements. Our research proposes using textile grids as a reinforcement system to enhance the tensile properties of rammed earth. An adapted methodology to assess the effect of embedding fibre grids, which is based on standards for fibre reinforced concrete elements is used. The ultimate bending moment and the flexural toughness have been determined for 22 compressed earth specimens using different types of grids and materials to reinforce them. The optimum solution is a flexible fibre grid with large spacing between fibre tows that ensures the connection to the earthen matrix.