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Blocks of concrete reinforced with natural sisal fibres for use in masonry



Author(s): I.S. Izquiero, M.A. Ramalho, O.S. Izquierdo
Paper category: Conference
Book title: 8th RILEM International Symposium on Fiber Reinforced Concrete: challenges and opportunities (BEFIB 2012)
Editor(s): Joaquim A.O. Barros
Print ISBN: 978-2-35158-132-2
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-133-9
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Pages: 1470 - 1481
Total Pages: 11
Language: English


Abstract: 
In this work sisal fibre is studied as reinforcement in the cement matrix of concrete blocks. Brazil is currently the largest producer of sisal in the world and the state of Bahia is responsible for 80% of domestic fibres. Although the use of fibres is most popular in the cordage industry, its value can be multiplied if used as reinforcement in composites. The interest in using natural sisal fibres as reinforcement for concrete block manufacturing is associated to its low cost, high availability and low power consumption for its production. In addition to the economic benefits, these fibres improve the mechanical performance of materials, increasing the tensile strength by controlling the opening and propagation of cracks and increasing the ductility, allowing relatively large deformations without loss of integrity. This paper evaluates the incorporation of sisal fibres of 20 mm and 40 mm in length and volume fraction of 0.5 and 1% for structural masonry in concrete blocks, and determines the use of these units to produce prisms and mini-walls. The laboratory tests were carried to characterize the physical properties of the fibre, blocks and mortar, as well as axial compression tests of the units, prisms, and mini-walls. The axial compression test results showed that mini-walls reinforced with fibres obtained values very close to or even superior to those obtained for the mini-walls without fibres, showing better performance than the blocks and prisms. All elements with the addition increased the deformation capacity and ductility afforded by the fibres, observed in the stress/strain curves. The rupture mode of blocks, prisms and mini-walls was characterized by an abrupt and catastrophic fracture, and the reinforced elements kept their composite parts together by the fibres, without losing its continuity, becoming a progressive rupture.


Online publication: 2013
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00


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