STRENGTH ANALYSIS OF CORN COB ASH AND KENAF FIBRE COMPOSITES

Building materials are becoming costly items in developing countries and as such alternative low-cost materials are being sought for. The use of imported building materials like roofing sheets are becoming unaffordable by the populace, hence, diverse natural materials used for building construction by man are found to be cost effective and environment friendly. Effective roofing ranging from wood, to tiling, shingles, mud and straw are being modified into cement and plant fibre composites and a welcome development (Stephen, 2014). The Greeks and Romans were the first to experiment with differing roofing styles and materials. The Romans introduced slating and tiling to Great Britain as early as 100 BC. Thatch roofs were introduced and implemented around the year 735 AD and it would not be for another 300 years until wooden shingles were first implemented as well. It was not until the 12th century that the history of roofing was changed forever under King John, when he issued a law in London that citizens had to replace their thatch and reed roof-coverings with clay tiles (Stephen, 2014). This law was passed as a measure against spreading fires and marked the beginning point for mass-produced, industrial roofing methods.