Review: Influence of the Size of Plant Aggregates on the Microstructure, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Stabilised Adobe Blocks

Moussa Ouedraogo; Halidou Bamogo; Richard Ouedraogo; Issiaka Sanou; Jean-Emmanuel Aubert; Younoussa Millogo

doi:doi:10.11648/j.am.20251401.12

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| Peer-Reviewed

Review: Influence of the Size of Plant Aggregates on the Microstructure, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Stabilised Adobe Blocks

Moussa Ouedraogo^*

, Halidou Bamogo

, Richard Ouedraogo

, Issiaka Sanou

, Jean-Emmanuel Aubert

, Younoussa Millogo

Published in Advances in Materials (Volume 14, Issue 1)

Received: 29 November 2024 Accepted: 30 December 2024 Published: 16 January 2025

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Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the influence of the length and type of plant aggregates on the enhancement of the microstructural and physico-mechanical properties of developed adobe bricks. To this end, a clay soil composed of kaolinite (28 wt%), quartz (49 wt%), goethite (7 wt%), and muscovite (9 wt%) with moderate plasticity was used to prepare adobes reinforced with fonio straws, rice husks, or kenaf fibres (Hibiscus altissima) measuring 1.5 or 3 cm in length at varying contents up to 1 wt%. The physical, mechanical, and microstructural characteristics of the adobes were evaluated. The incorporation of plant aggregates generally improved the microstructure, physical, and mechanical properties of the reinforced adobes. This improvement is primarily attributed to the homogeneous microstructure of the adobes with fewer pores, strong adhesion between the plant aggregates and the clay matrix, the prevention of crack propagation in the composites, and the cellulose content in the aggregates. The presence of aggregates in the clay matrix rendered the composite material ductile, exhibiting at least two failure peaks: one due to the breakdown of the clay matrix and the others attributed to the load-bearing capacity of the aggregates following matrix cracking. Adobes reinforced with kenaf fibres exhibited the best thermal conductivity and flexural strength, while those reinforced with rice husks demonstrated superior compressive strength and water erosion resistance due to the acceptable silica content in the husks. According to applicable standards, adobes containing plant aggregates at concentrations not exceeding 0.4 wt% are suitable for constructing thermally comfortable housing.

Published in	Advances in Materials (Volume 14, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.am.20251401.12
Page(s)	8-23
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Clay Soil, Plant Aggregates, Adobe, Microstructure, Physical and Mechanical Properties, Thermal Comfort

References

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APA Style

Ouedraogo, M., Bamogo, H., Ouedraogo, R., Sanou, I., Aubert, J., et al. (2025). Review: Influence of the Size of Plant Aggregates on the Microstructure, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Stabilised Adobe Blocks. Advances in Materials, 14(1), 8-23. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.am.20251401.12

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ACS Style

Ouedraogo, M.; Bamogo, H.; Ouedraogo, R.; Sanou, I.; Aubert, J., et al. Review: Influence of the Size of Plant Aggregates on the Microstructure, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Stabilised Adobe Blocks. Adv. Mater. 2025, 14(1), 8-23. doi: 10.11648/j.am.20251401.12

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AMA Style

Ouedraogo M, Bamogo H, Ouedraogo R, Sanou I, Aubert J, et al. Review: Influence of the Size of Plant Aggregates on the Microstructure, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Stabilised Adobe Blocks. Adv Mater. 2025;14(1):8-23. doi: 10.11648/j.am.20251401.12

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@article{10.11648/j.am.20251401.12,
  author = {Moussa Ouedraogo and Halidou Bamogo and Richard Ouedraogo and Issiaka Sanou and Jean-Emmanuel Aubert and Younoussa Millogo},
  title = {Review: Influence of the Size of Plant Aggregates on the Microstructure, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Stabilised Adobe Blocks
},
  journal = {Advances in Materials},
  volume = {14},
  number = {1},
  pages = {8-23},
  doi = {10.11648/j.am.20251401.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.am.20251401.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.am.20251401.12},
  abstract = {The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the influence of the length and type of plant aggregates on the enhancement of the microstructural and physico-mechanical properties of developed adobe bricks. To this end, a clay soil composed of kaolinite (28 wt%), quartz (49 wt%), goethite (7 wt%), and muscovite (9 wt%) with moderate plasticity was used to prepare adobes reinforced with fonio straws, rice husks, or kenaf fibres (Hibiscus altissima) measuring 1.5 or 3 cm in length at varying contents up to 1 wt%. The physical, mechanical, and microstructural characteristics of the adobes were evaluated. The incorporation of plant aggregates generally improved the microstructure, physical, and mechanical properties of the reinforced adobes. This improvement is primarily attributed to the homogeneous microstructure of the adobes with fewer pores, strong adhesion between the plant aggregates and the clay matrix, the prevention of crack propagation in the composites, and the cellulose content in the aggregates. The presence of aggregates in the clay matrix rendered the composite material ductile, exhibiting at least two failure peaks: one due to the breakdown of the clay matrix and the others attributed to the load-bearing capacity of the aggregates following matrix cracking. Adobes reinforced with kenaf fibres exhibited the best thermal conductivity and flexural strength, while those reinforced with rice husks demonstrated superior compressive strength and water erosion resistance due to the acceptable silica content in the husks. According to applicable standards, adobes containing plant aggregates at concentrations not exceeding 0.4 wt% are suitable for constructing thermally comfortable housing.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Review: Influence of the Size of Plant Aggregates on the Microstructure, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Stabilised Adobe Blocks

AU  - Moussa Ouedraogo
AU  - Halidou Bamogo
AU  - Richard Ouedraogo
AU  - Issiaka Sanou
AU  - Jean-Emmanuel Aubert
AU  - Younoussa Millogo
Y1  - 2025/01/16
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.am.20251401.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.am.20251401.12
T2  - Advances in Materials
JF  - Advances in Materials
JO  - Advances in Materials
SP  - 8
EP  - 23
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-252X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.am.20251401.12
AB  - The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the influence of the length and type of plant aggregates on the enhancement of the microstructural and physico-mechanical properties of developed adobe bricks. To this end, a clay soil composed of kaolinite (28 wt%), quartz (49 wt%), goethite (7 wt%), and muscovite (9 wt%) with moderate plasticity was used to prepare adobes reinforced with fonio straws, rice husks, or kenaf fibres (Hibiscus altissima) measuring 1.5 or 3 cm in length at varying contents up to 1 wt%. The physical, mechanical, and microstructural characteristics of the adobes were evaluated. The incorporation of plant aggregates generally improved the microstructure, physical, and mechanical properties of the reinforced adobes. This improvement is primarily attributed to the homogeneous microstructure of the adobes with fewer pores, strong adhesion between the plant aggregates and the clay matrix, the prevention of crack propagation in the composites, and the cellulose content in the aggregates. The presence of aggregates in the clay matrix rendered the composite material ductile, exhibiting at least two failure peaks: one due to the breakdown of the clay matrix and the others attributed to the load-bearing capacity of the aggregates following matrix cracking. Adobes reinforced with kenaf fibres exhibited the best thermal conductivity and flexural strength, while those reinforced with rice husks demonstrated superior compressive strength and water erosion resistance due to the acceptable silica content in the husks. According to applicable standards, adobes containing plant aggregates at concentrations not exceeding 0.4 wt% are suitable for constructing thermally comfortable housing.

VL  - 14
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Moussa Ouedraogo

Training and Research Unit in Exact and Applied Sciences, Laboratory of Chemistry and Renewable Energies, Nazi Boni University, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3915-2672
Halidou Bamogo

Training and Research Unit in Exact and Applied Sciences, Laboratory of Chemistry and Renewable Energies, Nazi Boni University, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0004-1573-3853
Richard Ouedraogo

Training and Research Unit in Exact and Applied Sciences, Laboratory of Chemistry and Renewable Energies, Nazi Boni University, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0004-1697-5192
Issiaka Sanou

Training and Research Unit in Exact and Applied Sciences, Laboratory of Chemistry and Renewable Energies, Nazi Boni University, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0004-8202-8900
Jean-Emmanuel Aubert

LMDC, Université de Toulouse, INSA/UPS Génie Civil, Toulouse, France

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7412-7600
Younoussa Millogo

Training and Research Unit in Exact and Applied Sciences, Laboratory of Chemistry and Renewable Energies, Nazi Boni University, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5969-157X

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APA Style

Ouedraogo, M., Bamogo, H., Ouedraogo, R., Sanou, I., Aubert, J., et al. (2025). Review: Influence of the Size of Plant Aggregates on the Microstructure, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Stabilised Adobe Blocks. Advances in Materials, 14(1), 8-23. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.am.20251401.12

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ACS Style

Ouedraogo, M.; Bamogo, H.; Ouedraogo, R.; Sanou, I.; Aubert, J., et al. Review: Influence of the Size of Plant Aggregates on the Microstructure, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Stabilised Adobe Blocks. Adv. Mater. 2025, 14(1), 8-23. doi: 10.11648/j.am.20251401.12

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AMA Style

Ouedraogo M, Bamogo H, Ouedraogo R, Sanou I, Aubert J, et al. Review: Influence of the Size of Plant Aggregates on the Microstructure, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Stabilised Adobe Blocks. Adv Mater. 2025;14(1):8-23. doi: 10.11648/j.am.20251401.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.am.20251401.12,
  author = {Moussa Ouedraogo and Halidou Bamogo and Richard Ouedraogo and Issiaka Sanou and Jean-Emmanuel Aubert and Younoussa Millogo},
  title = {Review: Influence of the Size of Plant Aggregates on the Microstructure, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Stabilised Adobe Blocks
},
  journal = {Advances in Materials},
  volume = {14},
  number = {1},
  pages = {8-23},
  doi = {10.11648/j.am.20251401.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.am.20251401.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.am.20251401.12},
  abstract = {The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the influence of the length and type of plant aggregates on the enhancement of the microstructural and physico-mechanical properties of developed adobe bricks. To this end, a clay soil composed of kaolinite (28 wt%), quartz (49 wt%), goethite (7 wt%), and muscovite (9 wt%) with moderate plasticity was used to prepare adobes reinforced with fonio straws, rice husks, or kenaf fibres (Hibiscus altissima) measuring 1.5 or 3 cm in length at varying contents up to 1 wt%. The physical, mechanical, and microstructural characteristics of the adobes were evaluated. The incorporation of plant aggregates generally improved the microstructure, physical, and mechanical properties of the reinforced adobes. This improvement is primarily attributed to the homogeneous microstructure of the adobes with fewer pores, strong adhesion between the plant aggregates and the clay matrix, the prevention of crack propagation in the composites, and the cellulose content in the aggregates. The presence of aggregates in the clay matrix rendered the composite material ductile, exhibiting at least two failure peaks: one due to the breakdown of the clay matrix and the others attributed to the load-bearing capacity of the aggregates following matrix cracking. Adobes reinforced with kenaf fibres exhibited the best thermal conductivity and flexural strength, while those reinforced with rice husks demonstrated superior compressive strength and water erosion resistance due to the acceptable silica content in the husks. According to applicable standards, adobes containing plant aggregates at concentrations not exceeding 0.4 wt% are suitable for constructing thermally comfortable housing.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Review: Influence of the Size of Plant Aggregates on the Microstructure, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Stabilised Adobe Blocks

AU  - Moussa Ouedraogo
AU  - Halidou Bamogo
AU  - Richard Ouedraogo
AU  - Issiaka Sanou
AU  - Jean-Emmanuel Aubert
AU  - Younoussa Millogo
Y1  - 2025/01/16
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.am.20251401.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.am.20251401.12
T2  - Advances in Materials
JF  - Advances in Materials
JO  - Advances in Materials
SP  - 8
EP  - 23
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2327-252X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.am.20251401.12
AB  - The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the influence of the length and type of plant aggregates on the enhancement of the microstructural and physico-mechanical properties of developed adobe bricks. To this end, a clay soil composed of kaolinite (28 wt%), quartz (49 wt%), goethite (7 wt%), and muscovite (9 wt%) with moderate plasticity was used to prepare adobes reinforced with fonio straws, rice husks, or kenaf fibres (Hibiscus altissima) measuring 1.5 or 3 cm in length at varying contents up to 1 wt%. The physical, mechanical, and microstructural characteristics of the adobes were evaluated. The incorporation of plant aggregates generally improved the microstructure, physical, and mechanical properties of the reinforced adobes. This improvement is primarily attributed to the homogeneous microstructure of the adobes with fewer pores, strong adhesion between the plant aggregates and the clay matrix, the prevention of crack propagation in the composites, and the cellulose content in the aggregates. The presence of aggregates in the clay matrix rendered the composite material ductile, exhibiting at least two failure peaks: one due to the breakdown of the clay matrix and the others attributed to the load-bearing capacity of the aggregates following matrix cracking. Adobes reinforced with kenaf fibres exhibited the best thermal conductivity and flexural strength, while those reinforced with rice husks demonstrated superior compressive strength and water erosion resistance due to the acceptable silica content in the husks. According to applicable standards, adobes containing plant aggregates at concentrations not exceeding 0.4 wt% are suitable for constructing thermally comfortable housing.

VL  - 14
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download