Evaluation of compressive strength in units and stacks of Adobe improved with Maguey fibers and Prickly pear gel

Albornoz A.A.A.; David R.L.F. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2025.1.1.1510

Resumen

The impact of adding maguey fibers and prickly pear gel on the compressive strength of adobe, a construction material traditionally used in rural areas of developing countries, is evaluated. Globally, between 20% and 25% of the population in these regions lives in homes built with raw earth. In Peru, 27.9% of homes are made of adobe, a figure that exceeds 55% in the department of Huánuco. In the Chacabamba district, 87.3% of homes are made of this material, which has low structural strength and is highly vulnerable to intense rainfall. Four experimental mixtures were designed: a standard sample without additives and three combinations with 2.5% maguey fibers and 5%, 10%, and 15% prickly pear gel, respectively. Compression tests were conducted on both individual units and piles of adobe. The results show that the mixture with 2.5% Maguey fibers and 15% gel achieved average strengths of 15.12 kg/cm2 in units and 10.09 kg/cm2 in piles, surpassing the standard design by 44.55% and 53.11%, respectively. These improvements exceed the minimum values established by Peruvian Technical Standard E.080, demonstrating the technical viability of using natural additives as a sustainable, economical, and effective alternative for structurally strengthening adobe in rural areas vulnerable to extreme climatic conditions.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas