Applications of Natural Fibers in the production of fiber-reinforced concrete structure and evaluation of its durability, thermal and impact behaviour

The development of high-performance materials made from natural resources is increasing globally due to environmental and sustainability concerns. Palm fiber is one of the natural smart materials that can be used to produce fiber-reinforced concrete, eliminating synthetic, glass and metal fiber. A significant amount of agricultural waste is produced and dumped in landfills, including palm date parts such as leaves, trunks, fruit bunches and surface fibers. However, these fibers are a great source of natural fiber for the concrete. Several studies show that the natural fibers in concrete enhance the mechanical properties of the concrete. However, the durability, thermal and dynamic properties still need to be investigated. This research proposal aims to address these research gaps. The proposed project will address the following key areas: (i) the development of fiber reinforces concrete which is free of synthetic and metal, leading to sustainable and environmentally friendly concrete structures; (ii) determine the optimum percentage of fiber that can be used to produce high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete; (iii) determine the mechanical (static and dynamic), thermal and durability properties considering the hot weather of the developed natural fiber-reinforced concrete structures; (iv) determine the microstructural properties between the natural fiber and mortar matrix aiming to the development of a constitutive model of the concrete; (v) provide design guidelines for using different types of natural fiber in concrete structures to sustain the static and dynamic load. The findings can be implemented in the construction industry of the Sultanate of Oman. The results may enhance the knowledge to provide guidelines to use these wastes safely in infrastructure projects, as indicated in Oman Vision 2040. It will also raise SQU's international research profile by publishing and presenting the research findings in reputed and high impact international journals and reputed international conferences on structural and construction material engineering.