Sustainable Earth Bricks: Characterisation of Milled Glass and Cissus Producta Fibre as Stabilisers and Reinforcement

This study focused on evaluating the properties of earth bricks incorporating milled glass as a binder and Cissus producta fibre as reinforcement. The investigation began with an assessment of the soil's physical characteristics through particle size distribution and compaction tests. Earth bricks were then produced using a constant 15% milled glass content and varying fibre contents of 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1%. These bricks were tested for density, water absorption, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and erosion resistance over curing periods of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The test results indicated that the soil had medium moisture content and a well-graded particle distribution, while the milled glass was significantly finer, making it suitable as a pozzolanic material. The enhancement was observed with the addition of Cissus producta fibre, with optimum results achieved at 15% glass powder and 0.75% fibre content. Compressive strength values of 1.315 N/mm², 1.834 N/mm², and 2.135 N/mm² were recorded for the sample without milled glass, the sample with 15% milled glass, and the 15% milled glass and 0.75% fibre-reinforced sample, respectively. Corresponding tensile strength values were 0.103 N/mm², 0.137 N/mm², and 0.233 N/mm². The study concluded that the incorporation of milled glass and Cissus producta fibre significantly enhances the performance of earth bricks, improving their mechanical strength, durability, and structural integrity. It is therefore recommended that the use of earth bricks be promoted as an environmentally friendly approach to managing agricultural and glass wastes.