Abstract
This study focused on investigating strength properties of the randomly distributed sisal fiberreinforced soil subjected to applied static and dynamic loading conditions. Series of static laboratory tests were performed to determine compaction characteristics, compressive and interfacial shear strength properties of the composite. Dynamic properties were investigated by subjecting the composite to cyclic loading under undrained soil condition. The moisture induced properties were established by performing matric suction and desiccation cracking tests. The effects of soil matrix density, moisture content and fiber properties (content, length and surface coating with gum rosin) on the mechanical and macro structural properties were determined from the laboratory experiments. Furthermore, unconfined compression and tensile tests were performed on the lime-fly ash stabilised soil composite to investigate the potential strength improvements. The synergic effects of pre-compression and moisture exposure on the mechanical performance of the stabilised composite were also investigated to establish the resilience of the material. The strength of sisal fiber-reinforced adobe masonry construction was eventually determined by performing series of laboratory tests on the reinforced masonry elements and structures. Finite-Element modelling of masonry construction was employed to validate results from the experiments. ..
D.Phil. (Civil Engineering Science)