Optimization of the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Lightweight Concrete Reinforced with Date Palm and Sisal Fibers

Abstract

This work investigates the influence of date palm and sisal fibers on the mechanical and physical behavior of lightweight concrete based on expanded clay aggregates. The choice of these fibers types is aimed at the recovery of agricultural waste in Tunisia. Their exploitation serves to improve the mechanical and physical properties of a new material dedicated to filling and insulation in buildings. In this context, series of tests were carried out using untreated short fibers in lightweight concrete. The evaluation of the mechanical and physical behavior of the material was obtained by determining the compressive strength, bending strength and thermal conductivity. The results obtained showed the influence of the fibers volume fraction. For mechanical behavior, the optimum of fibers volume fraction was estimated at 1% for lightweight concrete with date palm and sisal fibers. The thermal conductivity is inversely proportional to the fibers volume fraction, which justifies the use of this composite as a filling and insulation material.