Title: Effect of incorporating plant-based natural fibres on the mechanical and durability properties of pastes and mortars

Authors: Rawan Ramadan; Hassan Ghanem; Jamal Khatib; Adel Elkordi

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering, Beirut Arab University, 12-5020 Beirut, Lebanon ' Faculty of Engineering, Beirut Arab University, 12-5020 Beirut, Lebanon ' Faculty of Engineering, Beirut Arab University, 12-5020 Beirut, Lebanon; Faculty of Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK ' Faculty of Engineering, Beirut Arab University, 12-5020 Beirut, Lebanon; Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract: Amidst global concerns over depleting natural and energy resources, waste generation, and gas emissions, sustainability has gained significant traction. Utilising renewable resources such as plant fibres, such as RMSE (PhA), offers an environmentally friendly solution for concrete production. This study investigates the impact of incorporating PhA fibres on the mechanical and durability properties of paste and mortar samples. PhA was added to mixes at varying volumes (0-2%) with a water to cement (W/C) ratio of 0.55 and sand to cement (S/C) ratio of 2. The stems were processed into 1 cm × 2 mm fibres and treated with 4% NaOH solution. Tests on paste and mortar samples after seven days included chemical shrinkage (CS), drying shrinkage (DS), autogenous shrinkage (AS), expansion (Exp), compressive strength and flexural strength. Results demonstrate that PhA integration effectively reduces shrinkage in both pastes and mortars and modestly enhances compressive and flexural strength. This eco-friendly approach holds potential to mitigate shrinkage and contribute to sustainable construction practices.

Keywords: Phragmites australis; chemical shrinkage; autogenous shrinkage; drying shrinkage; expansion; compressive strength; flexural strength; correlations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2025.146258

International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation, 2025 Vol.10 No.3/4/5, pp.473 - 490

Received: 02 Sep 2023
Accepted: 22 Dec 2023
Published online: 14 May 2025 *

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