Flexural behaviour of interlocking brick system with grout cement mixed with various fibre

Abstract Interlocking bricks are usually produced by mixing laterite clay, fine sand, and Portland cement. However, the typical problem with this mixture is the formation of cracks due to the brittle behaviour of the interlocking materials mixture. Therefore, there is a need to add some fibres that could enhance the strength of the production of interlocking bricks. This paper presents the effects on compressive and flexural strength of interlocking bricks produced by mixing with synthetic polypropylene fibre (SPF) and palm oil fibre (POF). Tests were carried out to compare the relative strength between normal interlocking brick and proposed interlocking brick with fibre. Nine interlocking bricks with various mixture were tested for compression. Three beams specimen were prepared and tested until failure. The results showed that the addition of fibre has significantly increased the strength of interlocking bricks in all tests. POF interlocking bricks showed the highest strength, while SPF interlocking bricks showed higher in compression but lower in flexural strength than normal interlocking brick. It was concluded that the addition of POF in the interlocking mixture could be used as an additive mixture to improve the strength of the interlocking brick system.