Mechanical Behaviour and Microstructural Analysis of Earthen Materials Reinforced with Intensive Agricultural By-Products and Binders

Abstract

Modern construction is largely dependent on steel and concrete, with natural materials such as earth being significantly underutilised. Despite its sustainability and accessibility, earth is not being used to its full potential in developed countries. This study explores innovative building materials using Alhambra Formation soil (Granada, Spain) reinforced with difficult-to-recycle agricultural waste: polypropylene fibres contaminated with organic matter and leachates. Fibres were added at a ratio between 0.20 and 0.80% of the soil mass, leachates at a ratio between 4.25 and 8.50%, and lime was incorporated at 2.00% and 4.00% for specimens with higher residue content. Physico-mechanical properties, including uniaxial compressive strength and longitudinal strain, were analysed together with the microstructure. The results showed that polypropylene fibres, in comparison to the use of leachates, improved compressive strength and ductility, reaching a compressive strength of 1.76 MPa with a fibre content of 0.40%. On the other hand, this value is 7.4% lower than the reference sample without additives. The fibre-reinforced samples showed a higher porosity compared to the samples with leachates or without additives. This approach highlights the potential of agricultural waste for the development of sustainable construction materials, offering enhancements in the strength and ductility of reinforced soils.