P. Paramasivam

Prospects for natural fibre reinforced concretes in construction

This paper reports the recent past and current research and developments for the effective utilization of natural fibres from coconut husk, sisal, sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, jute, wood, akwara, plantain and musamba for making concrete∗. Factors affecting the properties of natural fibre reinforced concrete both in fresh and hardened states are critically discussed. An outline is also given of the prospects of this new material for potential applications in construction.

Coconut fibre reinforced corrugated slabs

Abstract This investigation reports a feasibility study of making coconut fibre reinforced corrugated slabs for use in low cost housing particularly for developing countries. The casting technique for production of corrugated slabs is discussed. Flexural tests have been carried out on corrugated slabs to determine their strength with different volume fractions and aspect ratios of fibres. Tests to determine the thermal and acoustic properties of these slabs are also reported. The experimental results are presented and discussed.

Steel fibre reinforced concrete beams in pure torsion

This paper presents the results of an investigation conducted on steel fibre reinforced concrete beams in pure torsion. The main parameters of the study were the volume fraction and aspect ratio of fibres. It was found that inclusion of fibres in concrete improved the ultimate torsional strength and imparted considerable ductility and toughness to the beams. The strength and toughness of beams were found to increase with increasing volume fraction and aspect ratio of fibres. A comparison of test results with torsion theories indicated that a satisfactory prediction of ultimate torque could be obtained by using plastic theory.

An evaluation of theories and a design method of fibre cement composites

Abstract The paper briefly presents the existing theories of fibre cement composites based on spacing and composite material concepts. The mathematical equations giving the tensile and the flexural strength are restated using a common set of notations. These equations are used to predict the first crack and ultimate stresses in tension and flexure, and compared with experimental values. Based on the comparison, a set of equations are identified and a design method of fibre cement composite is proposed.

Ferrocement under combined bending and axial loads

Abstract The results of an experimental investigation conducted of three ferrocement sections under combined bending and axial loads are reported in this paper. Each section has identical dimensions, but contained different volume fraction of reinforcement. Based on the conventional reinforced concrete analysis, a method is presented for predicting the ultimate load capacity, and hence the interaction behaviour of a ferrocement section. The experimental data are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.