TITLE:
Study of the Physico-Mechanical Performances and Durability of Adobe Bricks Reinforced with Kenaf Fibres
AUTHORS:
Halidou Bamogo, Fousseni Konaté, Ouanmini Bobet, Lohami Valentin Landry Gnoumou, Moussa Ouedraogo, Issiaka Sanou, Jean-Emmanuel Aubert, Younoussa Millogo
KEYWORDS:
Clay Soil, Kenaf Fibres, Adobe Bricks, Physico-Mechanical Performances and Durability, Thermal Conductivity
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering,
Vol.14 No.9,
September
20,
2026
ABSTRACT: Plant fibres have been added to stabilize the adobes bricks in order to maximize the use of local resources and save construction costs as well as the energy needed for heating and air conditioning. The primary objective of this work is to produce earthen bricks with high mechanical resistance, great water durability and lower thermal conductivity, in order to improve the increase the housing quality and comfort. In order to do this, raw earth bricks were made from moderately plastic clay soil from Kofila (Burkina Faso) which is made up of quartz (61 wt.%), kaolinite (22 wt.%), illite (7 wt.%), and goethite (6 wt.%). 1.5 cm long kenaf fibres were used to reinforce the raw earth bricks at percentages of 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 wt.%. Kenaf fibres physiochemical and mineralogical properties were assessed, along with the earthen bricks mechanical (flexural and compressive resistance), durability (capillary water absorption and spray test), and physical (apparent density, closed porosity, and thermal conductivity) qualities. The results indicated that the primary constituents of kenaf fibres are cellulose (71 wt.%), hemicelluloses (20 wt.%), lignin (4 wt.%), and ash (2 wt.%). The incorporation of kenaf fibres into adobe bricks effectively reduced crack propagation and enhanced fiber adhesion within the clay matrix. This improvement led to better physical, mechanical, and durability properties in the reinforced adobe bricks. In view of their good water resistance, low thermal conductivity and good mechanical strength, the raw earth bricks produced are suitable for housing construction, particularly in arid regions.