Andrej Ivanič

Abstract:

Recently, several studies have been carried out on the reinforcement of cementitious building materials by plant fibers, which represent an important sustainable and eco-friendly material. Hemp fibers have long been valued for their high strength and long fiber length, and used extensively in the fabrication of ropes, sails and textiles. In this paper, the influence of embedded length on the bond properties between raw untreated hemp fiber and cement mortar was investigated. Tensile tests were carried out to examine the mechanical properties of hemp fibers. Based on the results of pull-out test the key parameters of interfacial bonding including maximum pull-out load, shear strength and toughness were evaluated. It was found that the pull-out resistance for experimental material system was controlled by strong frictional effects. Rough surface of untreated hemp fiber and possible accumulation of damage fibers within the interface seem to provide a mechanical barrier at the interface, leading to a significant increase in interfacial friction during the pull-out process. Based on the findings of present study, cement composites with enhanced toughness can be produced using hemp fibers as reinforcement.