American Academic Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences
Abstract
To guarantee the maintenance of the environment, the civil construction sector has expanded its search for materials from renewable sources and, therefore, composite materials are being produced from the reuse of natural fibers and construction waste. This study analyzes the physical and mechanical behaviors of an erodible hillside soil reinforced with natural babassu coconut fibers and civil construction waste (CCW), class A. As methodological procedures, the Unidimensional Densification laboratory test was carried out for the soil, CCW, and composites, observing the void index versus log curves of the effective tension, the porosity content, and the compression index. The X-Ray Computed Tomography non-destructive test was also performed for comparative purposes of the porosity result. The results showed that the use of CCW and babassu coconut fibers in the reinforcement reduces voids present in the soil. This reduction points to better soil function in the face of erosion caused by the action of water. The composite with 50% soil + 49.5% residue + 0.5% fiber was the one with the lowest voids index, guaranteeing a 21% reduction in porosity. It was possible to verify that the tomography test provides results compatible with the one-dimensional densification test, regarding the determination of porosity, with variations of ± 3%
