Strength and Fracture Toughness of Earth-Based and Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composites
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Advanced Materials Research
Abstract
<jats:p>This paper presents the results of a combined experimental and theoretical study of the strength and fracture toughness of earth-based materials. They include mixtures of laterite, clay and straw that is stabilized with controlled levels of Portland cement. The compositional dependence of compressive, flexural strength and the fracture toughness is explored for different proportions of the constituent materials. Composites and fracture mechanics models are used to estimate the strength and fracture toughness of the resulting composites. The applications of the results are discussed for the design of earth-based building materials for affordable housing.</jats:p>