Studies on the durability of natural fibres and the effect of corroded fibres on the strength of mortar

This paper presents the results of the variation in chemical composition and tensile strength of coir, sisal, jute and Hibiscus cannabinus fibres, when they are subjected to alternate wetting and drying and continuous immersion for 60 days in three mediums (water, saturated lime and sodium hydroxide). Compressive and flexural strengths of cement mortar (1:3) specimens reinforced with dry and corroded fibres were determined after 28 days of normal curing. From the results it is observed that there is substantial reduction in the salient chemical composition of all the four fibres, after exposure in the various mediums. Coir fibres are found to retain higher percentages of their initial strength than all other fibres, after the specified period of exposure in the various mediums. The compressive and flexural strengths of all natural fibre reinforced mortar specimens using corroded fibres are less than the strength of the reference mortar (i.e. without fibres) and fibre reinforced mortar specimens reinforced with dry natural fibres.