In this research, the effect of using alpha fibres on the physico-mechanical properties of compressed earth bricks (CEBs) was investigated. CEBs were produced using soil, lime and different amounts (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%) of raw (RAF) or treated alpha fibres (TAF). First, the diameter, density and water absorption of RAF and TAF were determined. Then, the produced CEBs reinforced by these fibres were subjected to compressive strength, thermal test, density and capillarity water absorption tests. The obtained results showed that the addition of RAF and TAF leads to a reduction of the thermal conductivity by 33% and 31%, respectively. The finding also indicated that the density was decreased by 26% and 17% with the inclusion of TAF and RAF respectively. Besides, the compressive strength was reduced and water absorption coefficient was increased when fibres reinforced CEBs but remaining within the standard's recommended limits. Moreover, the addition of fibre improves the acoustic properties of samples by 98%. The CEBs developed in this paper could be an alternative to other more common building materials, which would lead to a reduction of energy demand and environmental problems.

The rising demand for housing, propelled by population growth, calls for affordable and reliable construction materials. Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB), an environmentally friendly construction material, serves as a potential solution. The clay soil retrieved from the Olifantsfontein Resource Facility, previously unused and occupying valuable space, was repurposed to produce CSEB, aligning with the company's waste reduction commitment. Soil analysis following South African National Standards (SANS) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) guidelines, revealing poorly graded sand with silt and clay. River sand was chosen based on particle packing theory to achieve a well graded PSD. Three mixtures with varying clay and river sand proportions, while maintaining a constant cement content of 5%, were prepared. Optimum moisture content was determined through trials with different moisture levels. A compressive strength test, both dry and wet, along with a water absorption test, were conducted to evaluate the brick's performance under variable conditions. Results showed that increasing clay content improved compressive strength, classifying the bricks as load-bearing. The study's compressive strength test results ranged between 3-5 MPa, with dry compressive strength outperforming wet compressive strength. On average, the three mixtures exhibited a water absorption of 11.31%, although mix designs with varying clay content showed different average water contents due to the water-absorption properties of cement and the water-holding capacity of clay. Overall, the findings demonstrate the potential of Olifantsfontein clay as a sustainable construction material for meeting the increasing demand for housing.

The earthen construction sector attracts worldwide attention, and earthen bricks are widely used. The conThe earthen construction sector attracts worldwide attention, and earthen bricks are widely used. The construction industry has also progressed in its use of natural green resources such as plant fibers to design building struction industry has also progressed in its use of natural green resources such as plant fibers to design building materials that are both economically and ecologically sustainable. However, the valorization of plant waste in materials that are both economically and ecologically sustainable. However, the valorization of plant waste in construction represents a crucial environmental challenge. The present study focuses on the development and construction represents a crucial environmental challenge. The present study focuses on the development and characterization of a new, low-cost earth-based building material stabilized with cement and corn straw fibers in characterization of a new, low-cost earth-based building material stabilized with cement and corn straw fibers in southeastern Morocco. Different earth bricks stabilized with different cement contents and corn straw fibers were southeastern Morocco. Different earth bricks stabilized with different cement contents and corn straw fibers were developed. The physico-chemical characterization of the soils used in the design of the bricks was carried out, developed. The physico-chemical characterization of the soils used in the design of the bricks was carried out, using physico-chemical, mineralogical and geotechnical characterization, including X-ray diffractometer (XRD) using physico-chemical, mineralogical and geotechnical characterization, including X-ray diffractometer (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The first results analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The first results reveal that the predominant minerals in oasis soils include ferrous clinochlore, muscovite, calcite and quartz, reveal that the predominant minerals in oasis soils include ferrous clinochlore, muscovite, calcite and quartz, which are mainly composed of silt and sand. Then, the eligibility of these soils for compressed earth brick (CEB) which are mainly composed of silt and sand. Then, the eligibility of these soils for compressed earth brick (CEB) construction was assessed, adhering to established guidelines for the identification of suitable soil types. In construction was assessed, adhering to established guidelines for the identification of suitable soil types. In addition, the thermal properties of the bricks were determined, finding that the use of corn straw fibers improves addition, the thermal properties of the bricks were determined, finding that the use of corn straw fibers improves the thermal performance of the bricks, and cement stabilization leads to an improvement in the bricks' methe thermal performance of the bricks, and cement stabilization leads to an improvement in the bricks' mechanical properties. chanical properties.