Donnish Journal of Research in Environmental Studies

September 2025 Vol. 6(1), pp. 001-007

Copyright © 2025 Donnish Journals

Original Research Article

Durability of Cement Stabilized Lateritic Brick Reinforced with Plantain Pseudo Stem Fiber Exposed to 2% Sulphuric Acid

Olusola Ololade Afolake and Adeyemo Adedayo Adewale

Department of Building Technology, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Osun State College of Technology Esa- Oke

Corresponding Author's Email: skymithololade@yahoo.com

Accepted 30th August, 2025.

Abstract

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This study investigates the durability performance of 5% cement-stabilized lateritic bricks reinforced with plantain pseudo stem fiber (PPSF) when exposed to 2% sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) solution. The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has led to extensive research on natural fiber-reinforced earth-based composites. However, their long-term durability under aggressive chemical environments remains a critical concern. In this investigation, lateritic soil was stabilized with 5% ordinary Portland cement (OPC) by weight and reinforced with varying percentages of plantain pseudo stem fiber (0%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0% and 4.0% by weight). The manufactured bricks were subjected to 2% H₂SO₄ exposure for periods of 7, 14, 28, 56 and 90 days. Durability assessment was conducted through compressive strength degradation, mass loss analysis, visual inspection, and microstructural examination using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicated that an optimal fiber content of 1.0% provided the best balance between initial strength enhancement and acid resistance. After 90 days of acid exposure, unreinforced specimens showed 34.2% strength reduction, while 1.0% PPSF-reinforced bricks exhibited only 18.7% degradation. The study demonstrates that controlled addition of plantain pseudo stem fiber significantly improves the compressive strength and acid resistance of cement-stabilized lateritic bricks, making them suitable for applications in mildly acidic environments.

Keywords: Lateritic soil, cement stabilization, plantain pseudo stem fiber, acid resistance, durability, sustainable construction

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Cite This Article:

Olusola Ololade Afolake and Adeyemo Adedayo Adewale. Durability of Cement Stabilized Lateritic Brick Reinforced with Plantain Pseudo Stem Fiber Exposed to 2% Sulphuric Acid. Donnish Journal of Research in Environmental Studies 6(1) 2025 pp. 001-007.