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Cited by 13Innovative concrete reinforcement materialsNatural Fiber Reinforced CompositesStructural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete

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Experimental Study on the Effect of Abaca Fibers on Reinforced Concrete: Evaluation of Workability, Mechanical, and Durability-Related Properties

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Arvizu-Montes, Armando, Alcivar-Bastidas, Stefany, Martínez-Echevarría, María José·2025·Fibers
DOI 10.3390/fib13060075
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Abstract

Interest in incorporating natural fibers as reinforcements in concrete has grown in parallel with the increasing need to reduce the environmental impact of construction. These fibers, known for their renewability, low cost, and life-cycle superiority, exhibit technical advantages such as light weight and high tensile strength. This study experimentally evaluated the influence of abaca fibers (AF) previously subjected to alkaline treatment and incorporated in reinforced concrete on workability, mechanical behavior, and durability, with a particular focus on the mechanisms affecting steel rebar corrosion. The characterization techniques included compressive and flexural testing; porosity, capillary water absorption, ion chloride penetration, and carbonation depth measurements; and corrosion rate monitoring via electrochemical methods. The results indicated that the addition of AF did not compromise the fresh-state properties or compressive strength but improved the flexural strength by 7.3%. Regarding durability, the porosity and water absorption increased by 4.1% and 8.2%, respectively, whereas the chloride penetration and carbonation depth remained within the requirements. Notable effects were observed regarding steel corrosion performance, where the incorporation of AF led to higher variability and an increasing trend in the corrosion rate compared with that of the reference concrete. Nevertheless, estimations suggest that abaca-fiber-reinforced concrete can meet the 100-year service life. These findings support the potential of AF as a viable reinforcement material for mechanical improvement; however, their influence on long-term durability, particularly corrosion, requires further investigation to deepen their feasible application for sustainable construction.

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References 76 · Cited by 13

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Metadata

Authors
Arvizu-Montes, A., Alcivar-Bastidas, S., & Martínez-Echevarría, M. J.
Affiliations
  • Universidad de Granada (ES)
  • Department of Construction Engineering and Projects of Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
Corresponding author
Arvizu-Montes, Armando
ORCID
Venue
Fibers
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2025-06-04
Volume
13
Issue
6
Pages
75
ISSN
2079-6439 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/fib13060075
OpenAlex
W4411033152
Cited by
13
References
76
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 5
FWCI
4.16
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Fibers (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Institutional Repository of the University of Granada (University of Granada) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Civil and Structural Engineering › Innovative concrete reinforcement materials
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Polymers and Plastics › Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Building and Construction › Structural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete
Keywords
abaca fiber, natural fiber reinforcement, fiber-reinforced concrete, alkali treatment, workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, porosity, water absorption, chloride penetration, carbonation depth, reinforcement corrosion, corrosion rate, service life prediction, sustainable construction materials

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Arvizu-Montes, A., Alcivar-Bastidas, S., & Martínez-Echevarría, M. J. (2025). Experimental Study on the Effect of Abaca Fibers on Reinforced Concrete: Evaluation of Workability, Mechanical, and Durability-Related Properties. Fibers. https://doi.org/10.3390/fib13060075