Reinforcing Effect of Natural Fibre on Concrete Composite
X.M. Liu, H. E. Katia, C. Yan
Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, 4001, Australia;
e: x51.liu@qut.edu.au
High performance fibre-reinforced cement composites have evolved with
intensified research. Australian research groups have been major contributors to the
global success of wood fibre reinforced cement products – products totally free of
asbestos fibres [1]. Liana tree vines, Entada scandens or E. gigas (Leguminoseae) or
(Mimosaceae) is a natural fibre that is used commonly among pacific islanders as a
form of tie down ropes. Its fibres could be used as reinforcement for more economic
and sustainable concrete structures. The properties of this material and its
application in civil engineering are still unknown. Therefore, this study is to
investigate properties of liana fibre and its application as a natural fibre to reinforce
concrete materials. Both the microstructure and mechanical properties will be
investigated. The reinforcing effects of liana fibre on both normal (30MPa) and high
(60MPa) strength concrete are determined. Both fibre production methods, fibre
contents and fiber length will be investigated. The fibre content of 1%, 1.5% and 2%
by volume of concrete and fibre lengths of 3.5, 5, 6 cm will be considered. In addition,
it will be compared with steel fibre reinforced concrete composites to further
investigate the reinforcing effects by using natural fibre. Plain concrete performance
will also be included as a reference. From literature it is believed that a length of 5 cm
and a volume of 5% by weight of cement [2] may produce maximum strengths for
natural fibre (coconut fibre) reinforced concrete composite such as those reinforced
with coconut fibre. Such values are used as reference and for results comparison. In
addition, the hybrid effects with micro steel fibres will also be investigated to study
the hybrid effects of both natural fibres and steel fibers. The research outputs will be
potentially applicable to construction industry for concrete composites research and
production.
References
[1] R. S.P. Coutts, Cem. Concr. Comp. 27, 518 (2005).
[2] M. Ali, J. Civ. Eng. Concr. Tech. 2(9), 189 (2011).