The Use of Sisal Fibre as Reinforcement in Cement Based Composites

Abstract

The inclusion of fibre reinforcement in concrete, mortar and cement paste can enhance many of the engineering properties of the basic materials, such as fracture toughness, flexural strength and resistance to fatigue, impact, thermal shock and spalling. In recent years, a great deal of interest has been created worldwide on the potential applications of natural fibre reinforced, cement based composites. Investigations have been carried out in many countries on various mechanical properties, physical performance and durability of cement based matrices reinforced with naturally occurring fibres including sisal, coconut, jute, bamboo and wood fibres. These fibres have always been considered promising as reinforcement of cement based matrices because of their availability, low cost and low consumption of energy. In this review, the general properties of the composites are described in relation to fibre content, length, strength and stiffness. A chronological development of sisal fibre reinforced, cement based matrices is reported and experimental data are provided to illustrate the performance of sisal fibre reinforced cement composites. A brief description on the use of these composite materials as building products has been included. The influence of sisal fibres on the development of plastic shrinkage in the pre-hardened state, on tensile, compressive and bending strength in the hardened state of mortar mixes is discussed. Creep and drying shrinkage of the composites and the durability of natural fibres in cement based matrices are of particular interest and are also highlighted. The results show that the composites reinforced with sisal fibres are reliable materials to be used in practice for the production of structural elements to be used in rural and civil construction. This material could be a substitute asbestos-cement composite, which is a serious hazard to human and animal health and is prohibited in industrialized countries. The production of sisal fibres as compared with synthetic fibres or even with mineral asbestos fibres needs much less energy in addition to the ecological, social and economical benefits.Key words: composite material, natural fibres, concrete, mortar, strength, stiffness, durability USO DAS FIBRAS DE SISAL COMO ELEMENTOS DE REFORÇO DE COMPÓSITOS A BASE DE CIMENTO RESUMOA inclusão de fibras em concretos, argamassas e pastas de cimento melhora propriedades básicas desses materiais tais como a tenacidade na fratura, a resistência à flexão, ao impacto, à choques térmicos e à desagregação. Nos últimos anos tem se observado, em todo o mundo, um grande interesse na aplicação de materiais compósitos, com matrizes a base de cimento, reforçados com fibras vegetais

Experimental Investigation of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Sisal Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

“…Although the mix remained workable in nature, additional efforts will be required for proper compaction, especially when the fiber content exceeds 1%. A similar result was reported by [6,[28][29][30]. Incremental sisal fiber addition of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% resulted in a slump percentage reduction of 25%, 43.48%, 56.25%, and 78.26% while the compaction factor reduced by 5.38%, 8.60%, 13.98%, and 21.51%, respectively.…”

“…Incremental sisal fiber addition of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% resulted in a slump percentage reduction of 25%, 43.48%, 56.25%, and 78.26% while the compaction factor reduced by 5.38%, 8.60%, 13.98%, and 21.51%, respectively. This reduction in the workability of concrete was ascribed to the presence of fibers in the mix tending to lump on each other, ball, and absorb some of the free water required for lubrication and paste formation [30]. There is also the occurrence of poor adhesion between fibers and the matrix, resulting in the inhibition of concrete flow as fiber content increases [28,31].…”

Development of vegetable fibre–mortar composites of improved durability

“…The upper, lower, mean and coefficient of variation (CV) of the physical and mechanical properties of these fibres based on a minimum of twenty tests are given in Table 1 [4,7,8]. The Thames Valley sand used in this investigation had a fineness modulus of 2.81, specific gravity of Table 1 Physical and mechanical properties of sisal and coconut fibres [4,7,8] 2.65 and total moisture content of 0.35%, determined using the procedures specified in British Standard 812 [9]. Chemical and physical properties of the OPC, ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), undensified silica fume and slurry silica fume used are presented in Table 2.…”

Characterization of the Thermo-Microstructural Analysis of Raffia Palm Fibers Proposed for Roofing Sheet Production

“…The need for economical, sustainable, safe, and secure shelter is an inherent global problem and numerous challenges remain in order to produce environmentally friendly construction products which are structurally safe and durable. The use of natural fibers with enhanced mechanical performance, as reinforcement in a cement based matrix, has shown to be a promising opportunity [2]- [4].…”