Analysis of the Water Resistance of Adobe Bricks Stabilized with Lime and Corn Stalk Fiber

Adobe continues to be a widely used construction material in the rural highland regions of Peru due to its low cost, local availability, and traditional significance. However, its application is limited by its vulnerability to moisture, which causes severe deterioration in humid and rainy climates. This study explores the effectiveness of stabilizing adobe with lime (C) and corn stalk fiber (FTM) to improve its behavior under moisture exposure. Lime, for its binding and partially waterproofing qualities, enhances the cohesion of the adobe mix, while corn stalk fiber, an agricultural residue, serves as a natural reinforcement, contributing to internal structural integrity. Five adobe mixtures were prepared, combining different proportions of lime (5% and 10%) and corn stalk fiber (0.5% and 1%), including a control sample without additives. These were subjected to two experimental procedures: a water immersion test and a capillarity absorption test. The immersion test assessed the degree of physical deterioration, while the capillarity test measured mass loss due to water absorption through capillary action. Although none of the stabilized samples completely resisted water exposure, the combination of 5% lime and 1% corn stalk fiber resulted in the most favorable outcomes. This design showed a noticeable reduction in surface damage during immersion (dropping from “severe” to “light” classification in some cases) and achieved the lowest mass loss in capillarity absorption, with a 2.91% reduction compared to 22.50% in the control adobe. These findings suggest that incorporating lime and corn stalk fiber improves adobe’s performance under moisture stress, not by eliminating water uptake, but by reducing its damaging effects. Further research is recommended to evaluate mechanical properties, optimize mixtures, and assess long-term performance under real environmental conditions.