ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES TO SYNTHETIC FIBERS: DURABILITY PROPERTIES OF NATURAL FIBER-REINFORCED CONCRETE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11113/mjce.v38.25881Keywords:
natural fiber-reinforced concrete (NFRC), eco-friendly, sustainable, durability, and natural fiber.Abstract
Concrete, though strong in compression, remains weak in tension and vulnerable to various durability challenges such as shrinkage, permeability, and chemical attacks. Incorporating natural fibers, such as jute, bamboo, coconut, banana, sisal, and kenaf has shown significant potential in enhancing these properties. This study investigates the durability properties of natural fiber-reinforced concrete (NFRC) through an extensive review of existing research. Findings reveal that the inclusion of natural fibers effectively reduces drying shrinkage, controls crack propagation, and enhances resistance against freeze and thaw cycles, acid and sulfate attacks, and chloride penetration. Jute and coconut fibers improve toughness and chemical durability, while bamboo and banana fibers enhance long-term performance when treated or combined with supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash. Although fiber addition slightly decreases workability, it increases ductility, reduces permeability, and prolongs the service life of concrete. Overall, natural fibers present a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic reinforcements, contributing to the development of durable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible construction materials.
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