Mechanical Behavior of Jute Fiber-Cement Based Composites

Abstract

This study presents the results of the mechanical characterization of short jute fiber cement mortar composites. Compression, direct tension and bending tests were performed to determine the first crack, post-peak strength, toughness and fracture processes of the composites. To ensure the composite durability, the ordinary Portland cement matrix was modified by adding metakaolin to consume the calcium hydroxide generated during Portland cement hydration. The composites were produced using reinforcement ratios of 2% and 3% of short jute fiber (25 mm) in a self-compacting matrix of maximum packing. Jute plant is easy to grow in the Amazon region of Brazil where arrived in early 30s coming from Asia and represents the main economic activity of the Amazon riverine population. The tensile behavior of this high performance natural reinforcement was determined in the present study using 30 mm long fiber. Composites with high toughness, strength and multiple cracking processes under bending load were obtained when volume fractions equal to 3% were used as reinforcement.