Environmental durability of externally natural fabrics reinforced polymer concrete

Abstract

The quick emergence of composites since their invention due to their high specific properties do not gainsay the health problems associated with the use of synthetic fibers as reinforcing agent of almost all commercially available polymer composites. To avoid those hazardous effects, the current global tendency is the incorporation of lignocellulosic fibers instead of these mineral ones owing to their biodegradability, low cost and low density, renewability and aspect ratio in addition to their high mechanical properties. A new material's concept currently applied in Algeria, based on an externally GFRP polymer concrete, proved its efficiency in piping systems. The design merging composite materials with polymer concrete in laminated form is used to get the most out of these two materials such as: more economic final material with high mechanical properties in tension also in bending in addition to a better durability properties. The aim of the present work is the substitution of glass fabrics and short fibers reinforcing the polymer materials in the current material concept by natural fibers and fabrics made up of jute plant. To assess the possibility of using this new concept reinforced with jute fabrics in civil engineering applications, we carried out tensile and interlaminar shear strength tests. Then, in the second part of this research work, mechanical properties durability of this new material was followed up through its immersion in a harsh environment simulating theoretically 56 years of aggressive exposure. The obtained results evidence high tensile and interlaminar shear properties. On the other hand, the residual tensile and ILS strengths allow the consideration of this new material's concept reinforced with natural jute fabrics as suitable for civil engineering applications for non-bearing load elements.