Reinforcement of Compressed Earth Bricks Using Locally-Sourced Triumfetta pentandra Fibers: Physical and Mechanical Evaluation

Authors

  • Roger Eno

    Laboratory for Mechanics and Materials (LMEMA), National Higher Polytechnic School of Douala, University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 2701, Cameroon
  • Martial Ndé Ngnihamye

    Department of Civil Engineering, National Advanced School of Public Works, Yaoundé 510, Cameroon
  • Emmanuel Foadieng

    Department of Civil Engineering, Higher Technical Teacher Training College Kumba, University of Buea, Kumba P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
  • Ekoum Ewandjo Nkoue

    Laboratory for Mechanics and Materials (LMEMA), National Higher Polytechnic School of Douala, University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 2701, Cameroon
  • Fabien Kenmogne

    Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Teacher Training College of the Technical Education, The University of Douala, Douala 1872, Cameroon
  • Rudy Kevin Tezempa Kouffeu

    Department of Mechanical Engineering, Advanced Teacher Training College of the Technical Education, The University of Douala, Douala 1872, Cameroon
  • Falonne Djofang Kongueb

    Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Teacher Training College of the Technical Education, The University of Douala, Douala 1872, Cameroon
  • Moussa Sali

    Laboratory of Materials, Mechanics and Civil Engineering, National Higher Polytechnic School of Maroua, University of Maroua, Maroua P. O. Box 46, Cameroon
  • Emmanuel Yamb Bell

    Department of Civil Engineering, Advanced Teacher Training College of the Technical Education, The University of Douala, Douala 1872, Cameroon
  • Sévérin Nguiya

    Department of Common Trunk, National Higher Polytechnic School of Douala, University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 2701, Cameroon

    Laboratory for Geophysics (LG), National Higher Polytechnic School of Douala, University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 2701, Cameroon

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jbms.v7i4.11856
Received: 1 September 2025 | Revised: 10 October 2025 | Accepted: 10 November 2025 | Published Online: 1 December 2025

Abstract

This study explores the novel application of Triumfetta pentandra (TP, “Nkui”) fibers, a tropical plant that is abundant yet underutilized in civil engineering, to enhance the performance of compressed earth bricks (CEBs). The main objective is to assess how incorporating these vegetal fibers can improve the mechanical properties of CEBs while maintaining durability. TP fibers were extracted, characterized, and integrated into the soil used for brick specimens. A rigorous experimental protocol was implemented, featuring a unique fiber pre-treatment, the use of a single, homogeneous clayey soil type, and controlled 28-day curing under standard humidity and temperature, which distinguishes this study from previous works. Physical measurements (moisture content, bulk density, water absorption) and mechanical tests (fiber tensile strength, compressive and flexural strength of CEBs) were conducted following French standards. The results indicate that 4 % TP fiber content yields optimal mechanical performance, with compressive strength reaching 6.61 MPa and flexural strength 1.49 MPa at 28 days, compared to 5.16 MPa and 0.51 MPa for unreinforced samples. This demonstrates the potential of TP fibers to reinforce earth-based materials, providing a sustainable, locally sourced, and cost-effective construction solution. However, higher fiber content increases porosity and capillary water absorption (up to 16.75 g at 6 % fibers), highlighting the importance of optimized fiber dosing and potential complementary treatments for long-term durability.

Keywords:

Compressed Earth Bricks; Triumfetta Pentandra Fibers; Physical and Mechanical Properties; Sustainability; Natural Fibers; Bio-Based Materials; Innovative Construction Materials

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Eno, R., Ngnihamye, M. N., Foadieng, E., Nkoue, E. E., Kenmogne, F., Kouffeu, R. K. T., Kongueb, F. D., Sali , M., Bell, E. Y., & Nguiya, S. (2025). Reinforcement of Compressed Earth Bricks Using Locally-Sourced Triumfetta pentandra Fibers: Physical and Mechanical Evaluation. Journal of Building Material Science, 7(4), 112–127. https://doi.org/10.30564/jbms.v7i4.11856

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Vol. 7 , Iss. 4 (December 2025): In Progress

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Copyright © 2025 Roger Eno, Martial Ndé Ngnihamye, Emmanuel Foadieng, Ekoum Ewandjo Nkoue, Fabien Kenmogne, Rudy Kevin Tezempa Kouffeu, Falonne Djofang Kongueb, Moussa Sali , Emmanuel Yamb Bell, Sévérin Nguiya

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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