Plant aggregates and fibers in earth construction materials: A review

Aurélie Laborel-Préneron (1) , Jean-Emmanuel Aubert (1) , Camille Magniont (1) , C. Tribout (1) , Alexandra Bertron (1)

1 LMDC - Laboratoire Matériaux et Durabilité des constructions

Earth as a building material is increasingly being studied for its low environmental impact and its availability. Plant aggregates and fibers have been incorporated into the earth matrix in the aim of enhancing performance for thousands of years but scientific studies began quite recently. The present paper reviews the state of the art of research on the influence of these various natural and renewable resources in unfired earth materials such as compressed earth blocks, plasters, and extruded and stabilized blocks. This review, based on 50 major studies, includes characterization of the particles and treatments, and recapitulative tables of the material compositions, and the physical, mechanical, hygrothermal and durability performances of earth-based materials. A lack of references on hygroscopic and durability properties was observed. Future research orientations are thus suggested to promote and develop this type of sustainable material, which provides a solution for saving energy and natural resources. Highlights  Earth-based products with plant aggregates as a sustainable material are reviewed.  Physicochemical and mechanical properties of plant aggregates or fibers are reviewed.  Mechanical, hygrothermal and durability performances of the composites are reviewed.  Further investigations are needed to promote these materials.

Mots clés: Earthen construction materials; plant aggregates and fibers; characterization; performances; blocks; plasters

Domaines: Génie civil

Aurélie Laborel-Préneron, Jean-Emmanuel Aubert, Camille Magniont, C. Tribout, Alexandra Bertron. Plant aggregates and fibers in earth construction materials: A review. Construction and Building Materials, 2016, 111 (10), pp.719 - 734. ⟨10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.02.119⟩. ⟨hal-01876690⟩