Reuse of livestock waste for the reinforcement of rammed-earth materials: investigation on mechanical performances

Agricultural wastes as additive within raw earth materials could both improve mechanical and physical properties of new sustainable construction enhance waste management in a circular economy perspective. This study intends to fill the lack knowledge considering effects animal fibers on rammed materials. The livestock waste, i.e., sheep wool fiber (SWF), reinforcing element building components produced by using lime-free mortars, have been evaluated. Linear shrinkage, flexural strength, compressive strength were evaluated samples incorporating SWF, with aim assessing this addition performances bio-composite material. made varying content (0.25 % or 0.50%weight) length (from 10 mm 40 mm). best result was 1.06 MPa, exhibited longest highest percentage fibers, 0.50%, respectively. SWF adobe bricks changed their failure mode, from fragile ductile, reduced dry density shrinkage rate.