Recent Advancements in the Application of Natural Fiber Based Composites in Structural Engineering—A Review

Abstract

In the last decade, natural fibers have established themselves as a possible alternative to synthetic fibers in composites materials due to properties that range from low cost, low density, biodegradability, carbon positive nature, i.e., absorbing more carbon dioxide than produced, easy processing, etc. This chapter presents an overview of recent developments on the use of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites in structural engineering applications primarily focusing on their use as flexure elements, as flexure and shear strengthening medium for existing reinforced cement concrete elements, and the response of such materials to dynamic loadings. Also, the various mechanical properties of the natural fiber-reinforced composites as obtained from the material characterization of the composite during the above-mentioned investigations, and those reported in the various literatures are discussed.