Suitability of using areca nut fiber as reinforcing material in compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) for low-cost housing
Published in Civil Engineering
My name is Atique Ishrak Anik, and I would like to share my journey from conceiving a random idea to developing an innovative building material concept. It all began in 2022 when I was tasked with my undergraduate thesis. While my classmates were exploring existing research works, I sought an innovative solution to improve construction practices for low-income communities in Bangladesh. Initially drawn to Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs), I found a lack of recent advancements in the field.
Extensive research led me to explore the integration of natural fibers such as jute, coconut coir, banana fiber, and sisal fiber to address the low tensile strength, water absorption rate, and density issues of CSEBs. One day, while wandering around the New Market area of Chattogram city, I stumbled upon a large quantity of arecanut husks strewn across the street. This serendipitous encounter sparked an idea. Upon tracing the source of the fiber to a nearby vendor selling arecanuts, commonly known as betelnuts in Bangladesh, I discovered another alarming sight – piles of arecanut husks discarded near drains.
Upon inquiry, the vendor explained that these husks were deemed useless. Motivated by the environmental implications of such waste, I rushed back to my university campus, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, to delve into researching arecanut husks. Surprisingly, there was minimal existing research on utilizing this fiber in any industry. Determined to make a difference, I proposed incorporating arecanut fibers into CSEBs. With the support of my supervisor, Dr. Md. Moinul Islam, and the encouragement of another esteemed professor, Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, I embarked on this endeavor.
Through our collaborative efforts, we successfully enhanced the properties of CSEBs by incorporating 0.85% of arecanut fiber by weight of soil. During the course of my research, I engaged with Mr. Babu, a local vendor of arecanuts, who agreed to supply arecanut husks instead of discarding them in drains upon understanding the environmental consequences. His willingness to participate encouraged me to consider scaling up the idea to an industrial level, thereby mitigating environmental hazards.
After completing our study in March 2023, we diligently documented our findings and submitted them for publication. Following a thorough peer review process, our study was accepted in the Discover Civil Engineer Journal (open access) by Springer Link, providing a platform to disseminate our research and make it accessible to a wider audience.
I am deeply grateful to the Almighty Allah and my parents, Md. Rozab Ali Biswas and Nilufa Easmin, for their unwavering support during challenging times. For those interested, my work can be accessed via the provided link.
Thank you.
I am a structural Engineer. My interest is in innovative housing materials for low income communities .
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