Performance of local date palm fibers in cementitious materials

Reinforced concrete structures have a limited lifespan and need repair during their use. The success of the repair depends on the characteristics of the repair material and repair methods. Repair by ready-made mortar is extensively used, although these mortars are expensive and often incorporate small volumes of synthetic fibres. This article aims to develop a durable repair mortar with low environmental impact based on 1% alkaline or hydrothermal treated or untreated date palm fibers (DP) of 10 and 30 mm in length combined with 15% of slag or natural pozzolan as cement replacement material. Compressive and flexural strength, bond strength by slant shear and pull-off tests, total shrinkage, and thermal conductivity were investigated. A reduction in shrinkage and thermal conductivity were observed and an increase in bond strength following the addition of treated PD fibers.