Track: Waste Management

Abstract

The increase in the world population and their needs have led to a dramatic increase in the use of non-renewable resources. To find renewable solutions, the use of plant-based natural fibres in construction materials is substantially increased. Despite the low-cost of plant-based natural fibres, it has the ability to enhance the mechanical properties of building components. In addition, plant-based natural fibres are abundant in many countries.  In KSA, more than 200,000 tons of date-palm waste are generated each year. Such waste has a vast potential to be used as fibre reinforcement in cement paste composites.

This paper presents an extensive discussion on the feasibility of using date-palm as reinforcement for cement-based composites, with a particular emphasis upon fibre production in KSA; fibre characteristics and fibre cement composites performance.  Finally, a recommendation for possible future work in this area is presented.