Análise dos tijolos de adobe com adição de fibras de Cocos Nucifera L.

Abstract

Civil construction is one of the anthropogenic activities that most impacts the environment, from the extraction of raw materials to high energy consumption. As a sustainable alternative, the use of raw earth stands out, especially in the adobe technique — brick molded without cooking, does not use any energy and does not require specialized labor. However, its main limitation is its low mechanical resistance, requiring stabilization with other materials. This study analyzed the use of green coconut fibers (Cocos nucifera L.) as a stabilizing additive to improve the properties of adobe bricks. Samples with different proportions of fibers were produced: 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%, called F0 to F4 families, respectively. The fibers were obtained by maceration of the green coconuts, and the bricks were subjected to compression tests with an EMIC 2000 kN press. Visually, F0 showed many cracks at greater thicknesses, while bricks with fibers showed better cohesion and fewer cracks. The F2 family (20% fibers) had the best visual and mechanical performance, indicating that this proportion improves compressive strength. On the other hand, the groups with 30% and 40% of fibers had reduced strength, suggesting that the excess of fiber compromises the structural integrity of the bricks. Thus, it is concluded that the addition of 20% of green coconut fibers is an effective proportion to stabilize the adobe, improving its cohesion and mechanical performance, while higher contents result in loss of strength.