Formulation of low cost eco-repair mortar based on dune sand and Stipa tenacissima microfibers plant

Mortar for patch repair of damaged concrete elements by corrosion or honeycombing are extensively used. However, they are quite expensive and they frequently incorporate low volume of synthetic fibers. This paper presents an experimental study on the development of an eco-repair mortar based on dune sand and microfibers plant. The vegetable fibers are 3-5 mm long Alfa microfibers plant (Stipa tenacissima L.) and are used with different volume ratios. The physical and mechanical properties investigated are compressive strength, flexural strength, shrinkage and bonding strength. The durability of mortar was evaluated through gas permeability and capillary water absorption tests. The results obtained show an enhancement of the mechanical and physical properties of mortars with natural microfibers compared to those of mortars without natural fibers. A lower sorptivity and a lower gas permeability were also obtained for the repair mortar reinforced with microfibers plant.