Seismic performance of compressed earth block walls reinforced with common reeds

Abstract

Compressed earth block (CEB) is a sustainable and cost-effective option for eco-friendly constructions. The blocks are produced without burning fossil fuels and have low embodied energy. The abundance of its constituents, including clay and sand, is another merit. However, the susceptibility of CEB constructions against seismic forces is still considered a prominent hindrance to their widespread acceptance. The study aims to improve the in-plane seismic performance of CEB walls by using common reeds as a natural reinforcing material. For this purpose, seven wall panels with dimensions of 1000×900×120 ${\mathrm{mm}}^3$ were constructed. Seismic loading was simulated using an incrementally increasing lateral cyclic displacement combined with a constant vertical stress of 0.3 MPa. The results are discussed in terms of the hysteresis load-displacement responses, displacement ductility, energy dissipation, and stiffness degradation. Based on laboratory experiments, the strength and lateral displacement of the reinforced specimen with four vertical reeds were increased by 44 % and 76 %, respectively, compared to the non-reinforced ones. Ultimately, Seismic assessments and damage indexes of the tested walls indicated that the in-plane seismic performance of CEB walls could be significantly improved by using vertical sand-coated reeds.