ABSTRACT
The mechanical behavior of hollow blocks made of concrete and natural sisal fibers tested to failure is dealt with. This chapter presents the results of compression tests carried out on blocks, prisms and wallettes. It shows that the mechanical response of companion plain concrete specimens. The parameters and the boundary conditions that define the models are calibrated to match the experimental load-displacement curves. The use of unconventional building materials is rapidly increasing for the construction of sustainable buildings. Special attention is given to concrete blocks reinforced by vegetable fibers, which stand out because of their low cost and large availability in many emerging countries. Numerical analyses with three different boundary conditions at the bases of the block were carried out, with the aim of matching the test conditions: doubly-hinged bases, doubly-pinned bases, and hinged lower base plus pinned upper base.
