EFFECTS OF POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE FIBERS IN THE WATER RESISTANCE OF COMPRESSED STABILIZED EARTH BLOCKS.

This research project focuses on investigating the effects of synthetic fibers (PET) and amount of cement stabilization on the water absorption, water surface erosion, and wet compressive strength of the compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB). The use of locally available soils blended with fibers and cement was investigated to obtain a design mix for compressed stabilized earth blocks capable of staying intact in wet and humid regions in the world (i.e. regions with annual rainfall of over 50 in). Blocks with varying cement percentages of 5, 8, 10, and 15 % by weight were produced with 3 specimens each, with and without fiber at 0.25 % by weight of the dry material (17 lb)