Natural Fibre Reinforced Concrete (NFRC) : Presented By: Nabo Kumar Barman (2013TTZ8551)

NATURAL FIBRE REINFORCED
CONCRETE (NFRC)
Presented By:
Nabo Kumar Barman
(2013TTZ8551)
Natural Fibre Reinforced Concrete (NFRC)
Contents
 Introduction
 Why Natural Fibre Reinforced Concrete (NFRC)?
(Advantages of NFRC)
 Disadvantages of NFRC
 NFRC
 Study on Hemp fibre reinforced concrete (HFRC)
 Study on Coir fibre reinforced concrete (CFRC)
 Study on Sisal fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC)
 Applications of NFRC
 Summary and Conclusion
 References
Indian Construction Industry: Overview

 Market Volume: 35.64 Billion. €
 Share of GDP: 11 %
 Growth of the industry: 10 %
 Usage of Cement: 159.43 Million Tonnes
 Industrial Construction: 28 Bio. €
 Construction Area: 9.44 Million sq.ft.
 Margins : 5-7 %
 People employed: 31 Million.
Source: http://www.echarris.com/pdf/7992_International Focus on India FINAL.pdf

Introduction
Concrete most used building material world wide
 High emission of CO2 in cement production
Reduction of concrete use in building with TRC 900

800
 Textile Reinforcement to resist tensile forces 700
CO2 in Mio. t
600
 High strength concrete to resist pressure loads 500
400
300
200
100
0
Combination creates stability and durability in 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
lightweight and thin walled building components year
World-wide emission of CO2 in cement production

Different form of textile reinforcement in concrete

1. Discontinuous assembly also known as fibre reinforced
concrete (FRC)
 Chopped Fibres (Natural, Synthetic and Mineral origin)
2. Continuous assembly also known as textile reinforced

concrete (TRC)
 Woven fabric (2D and 3D), Knitted fabric (2D and 3D)
2D textile 3D textile
Discontinuous assembly Continuous assembly

Why NFRC? [Advantages of NFRC]

 Derived from natural source-plants- no CO2 emission
 Low cost material- suitable for low cost housing
 Cement saving
 Density of cement composite reduces – saving in
transportation, and handling
 Readily available
 Biodegradable- environment friendly
 Inherent thermal insulation
 Inherent alkaline resistance
 Tensile load bearing capacity of concrete increases
 Prevents crack propagation- bridging action
Disadvantages of NFRC
 Limiting use of fibers (0-3%), higher content causes
agglomeration
 Reduces workability of concrete at higher fiber content,
causes difficulty in handling and placing
 Do not contribute much towards tensile strength because of
limiting length, helps to reduce plastic shrinkage
 Difficult to achieve uniform/random distribution of fibres in
concrete matrix
 Rough surface of concrete
 Swelling in presence of water
Natural fibre reinforced concrete (NFRC)

1. Hemp fibre reinforced concrete (HFRC)
2. Coir fibre reinforced concrete (CFRC)
3. Sisal fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC)
 Discussion on NFRC: (a). Physical properties; (b). Mechanical

properties; and (c). Thermal properties; (d) Microstructural
properties
Chemical composition in Natural Fibers
Chemical Component Percentage (%)

Types of
Fibre Name Wax and
Fibre Cellulose Hemi-cellulose Lignin
Minerals
Flax 64–71 18.6–20.6 2–5 5
Bast
Jute 61–72 13.6–20.4 12–13 0.5–2
Abaca 56–63 15–17 7–10 3
Leaf
Sisal 67.5–78 10–24 8–11 0.6–1
Fruit Coir 36–43 0.15–0.25 41–45 -
Rice 28–48 23–28 12–16 15–20
Stalk
Wheat 29–51 26-32 16–21 45–9
Physical properties of Natural Fibres

Specific Specific
Name Density Tensile Modulus
Strength modulus
of fibres (g/cm3) Strength (MPa) (GPa)
(GPa/g/cm3) (GPa/g/cm3)
Jute 1.3–1.4 393–773 13–26.5 0.3–0.5 10–18.3
Flax 1.50 345–1100 27.6 0.2–0.7 18.4
Hemp 1.14 690 30–60 0.6 26.3–52.6
Ramie 1.50 400–938 61.4–128 0.3–0.6 40.9–85.3
Sisal 1.45 468–640 9.4–22.0 0.3–0.4 6.4–15.2
E-glass* 2.5 2000–3500 70 0.8–1.4 28
Aramid* 1.4 3000–3150 63–67 2.1–2.2 45–47.8
* Indicates synthetic fibers

HEMP FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE (HFRC)
Physical properties of HFRC

 Specific gravity (density) of concrete reduces by 3-7 % with
hemp fiber reinforcement.
 Water/cement ratio slightly reduces as fiber content
increases as fibers are hydrophilic and will absorb/soak
water.
 Slump value of concrete mix reduces with addition of hemp
fibres- water soaked by fibers – workability reduces.
 Not recommended to go beyond 1% volume fraction (Vf).
Source: [Li et. al (2006), Awwad et. al (2012 b)]

Mechanical properties of HFRC: Compressive strength
Compressive strength of concrete cylinders (150 X 300 mm) at 3, 7 and 28 days
Source: [Awwad et. al (2012 b)]

Mechanical properties of HFRC: Flexural strength
Load deflection curve obtained from flexural test of concrete beams

(150 X 150 X 530 mm) at 7 days

Mechanical properties of HFRC: Flexural strength
Load deflection curve obtained from flexural test of concrete beams

(150 X 150 X 530 mm) at 28 days

Mechanical properties of HFRC

 With addition of fibers by 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0 % and
reduction in coarse aggregate by 10%, 20% and 30%
respectively – Compressive strength of concrete reduces – due
to increase in porosity – as fiber soak water (hydrophilic in
nature). Drop is more evident with replacement of coarse
aggregate. With fiber addition, volume of concrete increases
and fiber are inherently poor under compression load.
 Under flexural load – HFRC performs better – undergo ductile
failure (multiple cracking phenomena with higher strain)–
higher toughness (area under load deflection curve)
Mechanical properties of HFRC

 The failure mechanism for HFRC under flexural loading can be
described in following steps:
a). Crack is initiated in the tension zone when applied stress
reaches the tensile capacity of concrete,
b). Catastrophic failure has not occur as fibre network hold the
cement matrix together and prevent rapid crack propagation,
c). Finally ductile failure occurs when the applied stresses
exceeds the fibres tensile strength or fibre cement interface
bond strength.
 Higher flexural strength of HFRC was recorded at 28 days compared
to early 7 days strength – due to formation of stronger and mature
interfacial bond after 28 days.
Thermal properties of HFRC

Mix Type 28 days
λ (W/m K) Difference w.r.t Control
Concrete Specimen (%)
Control 1.885 0
0.50% Polypropylene 1.608 -15
0.50% Hemp 1.866 -1
0.50% Hemp – 10% coarse 1.504 -20
0.50% Hemp – 20% coarse 1.912 +1
0.50% Hemp – 30% coarse 1.661 -12
0.75% Hemp – 10% coarse 1.746 -7
0.75% Hemp – 20% coarse 1.418 -25
0.75% Hemp – 30% coarse 1.221 -35
1.00% Hemp – 10% coarse 1.226 -35
1.00% Hemp – 20% coarse 1.232 -35
1.00% Hemp – 30% coarse 1.414 -25
Thermal conductivity of HFRC at different fibre content (tested at 28 days)
Source: [Awwad et. al (2012)]
Thermal properties of HFRC

 Thermal conductivity of HFRC are low as compared plain
concrete – better insulation behaviour – reduce heat
exchange – improved power saving under extreme
environmental conditions.
 Thermal conductivities of concrete reinforced with 0.75%
and 1% hemp fibres are lowest with 35% reduction as
compared to plain concrete (PC).
COIR FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE (CFRC)
Physical properties of CFRC

 Density of the concrete reduces with the increase in coir fibre
content with shorter fibre length in mix – lighter structure
more suitable and durable against seismic vibration in
earthquake prone construction
 Water-cement ratio increases as the fibre content or length
increases in CFRC as compared to control sample (PC) – as
fibres will soak water
 Slump value reduces and ranges from 10-40 for CFRC - CFRC
was workable in spite of slump loss – slump reduction
increases with increase in coir fibre content – workability of
CFRC with 5cm long fibres was better as compared to other
fibre length
Effect of fibre (a) content and (b) length on density of CFRC
Effect of fibre (a) content and (b) length on w/c ratio of concrete
Source: [Ali et. al (2012)]
Effect of fibre (a) content and (b) length on slump of concrete
Source: [Ali et. al (2012)]


 Thickness swelling and water absorption varies inversely with
bulk density of board – low density board has more void space
compared to higher ones, so more water absorption by former
ones.
 Pre-treatment of boiling or washing or both together
significantly reduces the thickness swelling and water
absorption of fibres – due to the pre-treatment of fibres lead
to better bonding of fibres to cement matrix
 Longer fibres offer higher thickness swelling and water
absorption - improper compaction of unworkable mix of
longer fibres
Effect of moisture considering different fibre length and pre-treatment condition: a) thickness
swelling vs. board density; b) water absorption (%) vs. board density
Source: [Asasutjarit et. al (2007)]

Mechanical properties of CFRC

• Coir fibre reinforced cement paste up to 38 mm fibre length
and 4% volume fraction – increase in tensile strength and
modulus of rupture of cement composite
• CFRC with fibre content of 2% was best in terms of mechanical
performance – improvement in compressive strength,
modulus of rupture, splitting tensile strength and shear
strength
• Estatic is the ratio of the change in stress to the change in strain
in elastic region.
• Post-test PC cylinders give spalling of concrete whereas,
cracks were observed for CFRC cylinders
Compressive test of CFRC: a) stress-strain plot for Estatic and b)

Cylinder tested for Estatic and σ
Effect of fibre (a) content and (b) length on compressive strength (σ)
of CFRC Source: [Ali et. al (2012)]

• CFRC at low fibre content of 1-2% has improved compressive
strength of concrete compared to that of PC
• CFRC with 5 cm long fibres exhibited good compressive
strength - further increase in fibre length with higher fibre
content reduces compressive strength – due to the creation
of air voids in concrete specimen
• Fibre addition in cement matrix enhances toughness of
concrete – fibres are ductile material and they take up the
load and elongate before failure
Effect of fibre (a) content and (b) length on compressive toughness (TC) of CFRC
Effect of fibre (a) content and (b) length on total toughness index (TTI)
of CFRC Source: [Ali et. al (2012)]

• Slight increase in TTI for fibre length increased from 2.5 cm to 5cm
– further increased further to 7.5 cm causes slight reduction in TTI.
• The possible explanation to this behaviour was attributed as:
(a) 2.5 cm fibre length, more fibres is available for bridging the crack in
concrete, but the short length of fibre embedded inside concrete
will allow pull-out of fibres rather than fibre failure;
(b) 5 cm fibre length, relatively lesser number of fibres is available but
length of fibre embedded inside concrete is sufficient to hold the
cracks, resulting a higher TTI;
(c) 7.5 cm fibre length, further reduction in number of fibres, leading
to a lower TTI as compared to CFRC with fibre length of 5 cm.
Splitting tensile strength (STS) test of CFRC: a) Load vs. time plot for STS
test and b) Tested cylinder after STS test
Effect of fibre (a) content and (b) length on splitting tensile strength
(STS) of CFRC Source: [Ali et. al (2012)]

• Low fibre content around 1-2%, the STS of CFRC has a higher
value as compared to plain concrete (PC), but further increase
in fibre content reduces STS of CFRC
Thermal properties of CFRC
Thermal conductivity vs. board density for untreated and pre-treated coir
fibres with variable fibre lengths
Source: [Asasutjarit et. al (2007)]
Thermal properties of CFRC

• Boiled and washed fibres – highest thermal conductivity
compared to the board made with untreated and washed coir
fibres, due to fewer voids in former
• Board made of longer fibres has more void space – so lighter
in weight and offers low thermal conductivity – so better to
use longer fibres for thermal insulation applications
SISAL FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE (SFRC)
Physical properties of SFRC
Microstructural morphology of sisal fibre: (a) fibre consists of hollow lumen and fibre
cells interconnected by middle lamella; (b) middle lamellae (composed of
hemicelluloses and lignin) and exterior layer
Source: [Silva et. al (2010)]

Manufacturing technique of SFRC composite
Production technique for corrugated laminates: (a) fibres and matrix assembly during
placement; (b) compression moulding set up for producing sisal fibre ; (c) sisal fibre
composite

Properties of SFRC
• Mechanical testing of sisal fibre cement composite (SFCC)
suggested that it undergoes multiple crack formation and
strain hardening both under tension and bending.
• Toughness of metakaolin and calcined clay based composite
[calcium hydroxide (CH) free composite] under tensile load
were twice as compared to Portland cement (PC) based
composite.
• Corrugated sheet offered higher ultimate bending load by
260% as compared to non-corrugated/flat sheet
• Physical testing results suggested that both the PC and CH
free composites are impermeable (without water leakage)
Mechanical properties of SFRC
Four point bending test result for the PC and CH free composite samples
immersed in hot water for accelerated ageing at 60°C for a period of 6 months

Properties and Testing of SFRC

• Durability test – accelerated ageing test was carried out
under hot water at 60°C for a period of 6 months – CH free
composites recorded a higher ultimate bending strength and
toughness of 3.8 and 42.4 times as compared to that for PC
based composites.
• CH free composites made out of metakaolin and calcined clay
reinforced with sisal have better durability with the one
produced from sisal reinforced Portland cement based
composite
SEM Micrograph of SFRC: Bridging action
SEM micrographs of sisal fibre reinforced cement composite and showing the
bridging action of sisal fibre with crack arresting mechanism

Summary and Conclusion

• Physical properties: Addition of natural fibres in concrete reduces
the density of concrete specimen, causes slump loss – reduces
workability if added in higher proportion. It leads to higher water-
cement ratio in concrete – as fibres are hygroscopic in nature. Sisal
fibres based cement composites are impermeable and no water
leakage was observed.
• Mechanical properties: Compressive strength reduces in general
with fibre addition – as fibres are poor in compression and fibre
addition causes generation of some air pockets/voids in concrete.
The flexural strength and toughness increases and ductile failure
occurs in concrete. The addition of fibres in small proportion
reduces crack propagation and bridges the crack in concrete.
Summary and Conclusion

• Thermal properties: The addition of fibres in concrete
provides low thermal conductivity or insulating behaviour in
concrete – better against difficult/extreme environmental
condition, reduces power consumption to maintain
temperature inside building.
Applications of TRC
Surface quality Freedom in design Thin walled elements
Outer Facades Pavilions and Furniture Internal Walls

Germany Germany Germany
Source: ITA, Aachen University, Germany

Reference Projects
 Ventilated facade systems
Structural concrete
4,
9
8
Ventilated
Heat insulation TRC facing
Ventilation 1, 1, 1,
2 2 20
 Sandwich element with TRC facings

0 0
Structural concrete
Heat insulation
TRC facings

Reference Projects
Light Illuminating TRC- By Day Light Illuminating TRC- By Night
Source: LUCEM, Germany

Advantages of NFRC

References
 Ali M, Liu A, Sou H, Chouw N. Mechanical and dynamic properties of coconut fibre reinforced
concrete. Construction and Building Materials 30 (2012) 814–825.
 Allin S. Building with hemp. Seed press, Co. Kerry, Ireland (2005).
 Asasutjarit C, Hirunlabh J, Khedari J, Charoenvai S, Zeghmati B, Cheul Shin U. Development of
coconut coir-based lightweight cement board. Construction and Building Materials 21 (2007) 277–
288.
 Awwada E, Mabsout M, Hamad B, Farran M T, Khatib H. Studies on fiber-reinforced concrete using
industrial hemp fibres. Construction and Building Materials 35 (2012) 710–717.
 Awwada E, Mabsout M, Hamad B, Farran M T, Khatib H. Sustainable concrete using hemp fibres.
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers Construction Materials 166 (2013) CM1 45-53.
 Aziz MA, Paramasivam P, Lee SL. Prospects for natural fibre reinforced concretes in construction.
International Journal of Cement Composite Lightweight Concrete 3 (2) (1981) 123–32.
 Balaguru P N and Shah S P. Fibre-Reinforced Cement Composites. McGraw-Hill (1992) pp.110.
 Baruah P, Talukdar S. A comparative study of compressive, flexural, tensile and shear strength of
concrete with fibres of different origins. Indian Concrete Journal 81 (7) (2007) 17–24.
• Bentur A, Mindess S. Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Composites. Elsevier Applied Science, London
(1990).
• Das Gupta N C, Paramsivam P, Lee S L. Mechanical properties of coir reinforced cement pastes
composites. Housing Science 2(5) (1978) 391–406.
References
 Das Gupta NC, Paramsivam P, Lee SL. Coir reinforced cement pastes composites. International
Conference proceedings of our world in concrete and structures (1979) 111–116.
 Feldman D. Polymeric Building Materials. Elsevier Applied Science, London (1989).
 Li V, Wang Y and Backer S. Fibre-Reinforced Cementitious Materials, Materials Research Society
Symposium Proceeding (Mindess S. and Skalny J. Eds.), Volume 211 (1991).
 Li Z, Wang X, Wang L. Properties of hemp fibre reinforced concrete composites. Composites Part A
37 (2006) 497–505.
 Ohama Y. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Fibre Reinforced Concrete, Madras
(1987).
 Paramasivam P, Nathan G K, Das Gupta N C. Coconut fibre reinforced corrugated slabs.
International Journal of Cement Composite Lightweight Concrete 6 (1) (1984) 19–27.
 Ramakrishna G, Sundararajan T. Studies on the durability of natural fibres and the effect of
corroded fibres on the strength of mortar. Cement Concrete Composite 27 (5) (2005) 575–582.
 Silva F, Filho R, Filho J, Fairbairn E. Physical and mechanical properties of durable sisal fiber–cement
composites. Construction and Building Materials 24 (2010) 777–785.
 Silva F, Mobasher B, Filho R. Cracking mechanisms in durable sisal fiber reinforced cement
composites. Cement & Concrete Composites 31 (2009) 721–730.

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NATURAL FIBRE REINFORCED

Indian Construction Industry: Overview

Source: http://www.echarris.com/pdf/7992_International Focus on India FINAL.pdf

Reduction of concrete use in building with TRC 900

World-wide emission of CO2 in cement production

Different form of textile reinforcement in concrete

2. Continuous assembly also known as textile reinforced

Discontinuous assembly Continuous assembly

Why NFRC? [Advantages of NFRC]

Natural fibre reinforced concrete (NFRC)

 Discussion on NFRC: (a). Physical properties; (b). Mechanical

Chemical composition in Natural Fibers

Chemical Component Percentage (%)

Physical properties of Natural Fibres

Flax 1.50 345–1100 27.6 0.2–0.7 18.4

Hemp 1.14 690 30–60 0.6 26.3–52.6

Ramie 1.50 400–938 61.4–128 0.3–0.6 40.9–85.3

Sisal 1.45 468–640 9.4–22.0 0.3–0.4 6.4–15.2

E-glass* 2.5 2000–3500 70 0.8–1.4 28

Aramid* 1.4 3000–3150 63–67 2.1–2.2 45–47.8

* Indicates synthetic fibers

Physical properties of HFRC

Source: [Li et. al (2006), Awwad et. al (2012 b)]

Mechanical properties of HFRC: Compressive strength

Compressive strength of concrete cylinders (150 X 300 mm) at 3, 7 and 28 days

Source: [Awwad et. al (2012 b)]

Mechanical properties of HFRC: Flexural strength

Load deflection curve obtained from flexural test of concrete beams

Source: [Awwad et. al (2012 b)]

Mechanical properties of HFRC: Flexural strength

Load deflection curve obtained from flexural test of concrete beams

Source: [Awwad et. al (2012 b)]

Mechanical properties of HFRC

Mechanical properties of HFRC

Thermal properties of HFRC

Thermal properties of HFRC

Physical properties of CFRC

Physical properties of CFRC

Effect of fibre (a) content and (b) length on density of CFRC

Physical properties of CFRC

Effect of fibre (a) content and (b) length on slump of concrete

Source: [Ali et. al (2012)]

Physical properties of CFRC

Physical properties of CFRC

Source: [Asasutjarit et. al (2007)]

Mechanical properties of CFRC

Mechanical properties of CFRC

Compressive test of CFRC: a) stress-strain plot for Estatic and b)

Mechanical properties of CFRC

Mechanical properties of CFRC

Mechanical properties of CFRC

Mechanical properties of CFRC

Mechanical properties of CFRC

Thermal properties of CFRC

Thermal properties of CFRC

Physical properties of SFRC

Source: [Silva et. al (2010)]

Manufacturing technique of SFRC composite

Source: [Silva et. al (2010)]

Mechanical properties of SFRC

Source: [Silva et. al (2010)]

Properties and Testing of SFRC