Exploring Concepts and Aplication of Natural Fibers on Cement-Based Composites

High-performance Cement-Based Composites (CBCs) have emerged as an effective strategy for constructing sustainable civil engineering structures. While cement exhibits commendable compressive strength, its tensile strength falls short in composite applications. A promising solution to address this limitation lies in incorporating natural fibers. This paper presents a comprehensive review of natural fiber utilization in cement-based products. The introduction of cellulose from natural fibers has demonstrated the potential to significantly enhance compressive and flexural strength, with improvements of up to 16% and 22%, respectively. The recommended fiber dosage ranges from 1% to 2% of the cement weight. Cellulose-based particles adeptly occupy even the tiniest voids within the cement paste, while the fibers serve as effective crack-bridging agents. Furthermore, fibers can delay or impede crack propagation, with fiber size emerging as a pivotal factor in the crack-bridging mechanism. Findings from the literature highlight the immense promise of natural fibers as reinforcement materials in CBCs. The integration of natural fibers into CBCs represents a compelling approach to advancing the development of sustainable civil engineering structures.