@misc{10481/110522,
year = {2026},
url = {https://hdl.handle.net/10481/110522},
abstract = {Unstabilized rammed earth reinforced with fibers is being explored as an alternative to chemical stabilization,
however, the mechanical response of these composites and the associated uncertainties remain
insufficiently investigated particularly at higher fiber content. This study investigates the mechanical behavior
of unstabilized rammed earth when reinforced with polypropylene fibers at 0%, 1.5%, 3.5%, and 5%
of fiber content. To this end, an experimental campaign was carried out by testing unconfined compressive
strength, three-point bending, and ultrasonic pulse velocity in a number of samples with various fiber percentages.
Data show a clear trade-off: increasing fiber content substantially enhances compressive strength
but reduces flexural strength and stiffness-related properties. Specifically, a fiber content of 5% increased
the compressive strength by 163.3% (from 6.2 MPa to 16.4 MPa) while flexural strength decreased by 79.2%.
In addition, phenomenological models of the various mechanical properties are inferred from the data using
a rigorous Bayesian inverse problem framework. When simulated forward, these models enable the probabilistic
estimation of compressive strength, elastic modulus, and material density using non-destructive
ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements as input. This would enable in-situ property estimation and nondestructive
quality control of polypropylene-fiber-reinforced rammed earth elements in practical engineering
scenarios.},
organization = {Junta de Andalucía C-ING-134-UGR23},
organization = {ERDF Andalusia Program 2021–2027},
organization = {European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme BUILDCHAIN 101092052},
publisher = {Elsevier},
keywords = {Unstabilized rammed earth},
keywords = {Micro polypropylene fibers reinforcement},
keywords = {Bayesian inverse problem},
title = {A Bayesian Framework for Mechanical Characterization of Unstabilized Rammed Earth Reinforced With Polypropylene Fibers},
doi = {10.1016/j.rineng.2026.109085},
author = {Jalón Ramírez, María Lourdes and Chiachío Ruano, Juan and Al Shdifat, Majdi and Blanca-Hoyos, Álvaro and Puertas García, María Esther},
}