Showing papers on "SISAL published in 1985"

Sisal—Cement Composites and their Potential for Rural Africa

Abstract: The composite material formed by reinforcing cement mortar with sisal fibres has properties that make it suitable for several structures in rural Africa. Tests carried out by the present writer and colleagues at Nairobi University over the past few years have shown the considerable improvement in the flexural strength, energy-absorbing capacity and impermeability of the mortar resulting from the use of sisal fibres. Further tests have shown the suitability of the material for cladding walls to produce earthquake-resistant adobe structures for housing and schools, and for making roofing sheets and tiles, grain-storage bins and water ducts. Whilst this research has yielded several intriguing theoretical and practical discoveries in the laboratory, some of the results of field trials and attempts to implement the technology have proved even more enigmatic. The present paper reviews these findings in the laboratory and in the field, and considers the implications for third-world materials research in general.