Development of a Stabilized Natural Fiber-Reinforced Earth Composite for Construction Applications Using 3D Printing (2019-11)¶

The application of additive manufacturing technologies to the construction industry has a wide range of advantages from the economic, social and design flexibility point of view. However, most of up to date research studies have been performed using ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based mortars and concretes. Therefore, the objective of this article is to explore the development of an eco-friendly earth composite reinforced with natural sisal fibers and chemically stabilized with a hydraulic binder. Analysis of the workability by shear vane tests was performed on fresh earth samples to find the optimum water content in sisal fiberreinforced earth stabilized with OPC. Afterward, the effect of the addition of OPC on the hardening process was evaluated through shear vane and Vicat needle tests from 0 to 180 min after mixing. The results indicate that water content, fiber addition and OPC replacement have a strong influence on the shear yield strength. Furthermore, the presence of chemical stabilizers as OPC accelerates the hardening process allowing a faster layer-by-layer deposition. This low cost and eco-friendly preliminary earth-based composite can be used for 3D printing applications in the construction industry.