Influence of the addition of sisal fibers on the physical and mechanical properties of mortars

Abstract

The construction industry has sought to use sustainable materials that have less impact on the environment. The use of vegetable fibers, mainly those from sisal, in cementitious composites has stood out among the others due to the great availability of this material, its tensile strength, and the social and economic issues involved in its production. This research aimed to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of sisal fiber mortars and propose the application of this material in the manufacture of cisterns located in rural regions, close to the production sites of the sisal fibers themselves. Regarding compressive strength and dynamic modulus of elasticity, mixtures containing sisal fibers showed a reduction in these properties when compared to mortars without fibers. However, there was a gain in the damping ratio of mortars with fibers, showing the influence of the fiber on the internal structure of the composite, distributing tensions, absorbing energy, and delaying the rupture of the material.