Use of hemp, kenaf and bamboo natural fiber in cement-based concrete

Abstract

The integration of renewable materials promotes sustainability in construction industry. Plant based natural fibers can be effectively utilized in cement concrete composites, being low cost and renewable. This paper presents a short review on the utilization of hemp, kenaf and bamboo natural fibers in cement based concrete. The fresh, hardened and durability properties of natural fiber reinforced concrete are discussed in brief. It is shown that the use of hemp fibers improves the compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, and toughness of concrete. Bamboo fibers can be used with different concentrations with concrete to achieve a targeting ductility. Overall, bamboo fibers improve the tensile strength and torsional toughness of concrete samples. It was also found that the use of kenaf fibers of different length and diameter improves the mechanical properties of concrete. The findings from this review confirm the feasibility of achieving standard concrete attributes by using the natural fibers in cement based concrete.