Hollow Compressed Earth Block Stabilized (HCEB) with Coir Fiber as Sustainable Low-Cost Housing Wall Material

Abstract

Earth with its availability and advantages to decrease the carbon footprint has been contributing to environmental empowerment, a key factor to construction and materials field. This study focuses on integrating materials with their sustainability and low-cost effectiveness but still bringing the Hollow Compressed Earth Blocks durability on par with standard structural requirement or standard strength. Optimal mixture design significantly achieves a fine balance between compression and flexural strength. Furthermore, using cost estimation to determine and verify the cost effectiveness of the specimen as a Housing Wall Material, it is discovered that it is indeed a desirable option in the market. In addition, ASTM standards and specifications served to verify the consistent increase in flexural strength as the coir fiber percentage increases. The selected soil type, clay, provides good load-bearing capacity with optimal moisture content. Poor dimensional stability and susceptibility to erosion due to rain were mitigated by using cement as a stabilizing agent.