Physical and mechanical properties of compacted adobe with incorporation of coconut fibers

The present experimental research, had as main objective to analyze the physical and mechanical properties of the compacted adobe, developed in the CINVA RAM machine (The machine was developed by the engineer Raúl Ramírez (RAM) of the CINVA-Inter-American Center for Housing and Planning within of Project 22 of the OAS) with modifications of coconut fibers. Material was extracted from the quarry “La Arenita” - Otuzco - Cajamarca, to study the soil and use it in the development of the units. Initially the granulometric analysis was performed by siphonage, to verify if it complies with the gradation required by Standard E.080 (Design and Construction with Reinforced Earth), after the Modified Proctor test for the standard sample and samples with coconut fibers (0.25 %, 0.50% and 0.75%), then developed the compacted adobe units and subsequently tested for compression, flexion and degree of absorption. The results obtained were satisfactory, since the incorporation of coconut fibers improved their physical and mechanical properties, in axial compressive strength by 24.40% reaching 36.83 kg / cm2 with respect to the value found for the standard sample that It was 28.21 kg / cm2, in terms of flexural strength increased by 13.68% reaching 8.48 kg / cm2, with respect to the standard sample that was 7.32 kg / cm2. Finally, the study units with and without coconut fiber modifications did not resist the absorption test.