Comparative analysis of the sisal and piassava fibers as reinforcements in lightweight cementitious composites with EVA waste

•Both vegetable fibers caused a reduction of 10-30% in the compressive strength.•EVA affects significantly and negatively the compressive strength of the composite.•There was a gain in tensile strength in bending when sisal fibers were added.•Fibers changed behavior of the matrix, making the composites more ductile and tough.•Sisal fiber was more efficient as reinforcement in cementitious composites with EVA.

In this work, was performed a comparative analysis of the mechanical properties resulting from the addition of sisal and piassava fibers in lightweight cementitious composites with EVA. The workability, compressive strength, apparent specific mass, tensile strength in bending and deformation capacity were assessed in mixtures and cylindrical and prismatic specimens. EVA reduced apparent specific mass and mechanical properties of the composites. Sisal produced a maximum increase of 49.08% in tensile strength in bending of cementitious matrix with EVA, whereas piassava ensured greater deformation capacity up to rupture, with maximum elongation of 12.693 mm. Ultimately, sisal was more efficient as reinforcement.