10 - Long-term strength and durability evaluation of sisal fiber composites

Abstract

This chapter investigates the long-term strength and durability of sisal fiber cementitious mortar composites. The strength characteristics of cementitious mortar composites (compressive, flexural, and split-tensile strengths) and composite slabs (flexural and impact strengths), and the durability of these composites were determined for a 1:3 mixture and for a range of parameters identical to that of cement mortar composites. The strength behavior of the cementitious composites was similar and there was a considerable improvement in the long-term strength. The role of fly ash used to enhance the strength and improve the durability of the cementitious composites is highlighted. When the fly ash content was equal to 20% and the fiber content was equal to 0.5%, the best performance of the cementitious mortar composites was obtained. The range of fiber–fly ash content that can be used in cementitious mortar composites to match the behavior of reference (i.e., “control”) mortar composites is identified.