Recently, there has been a rapid growth in research and innovation in the natural fibre composite (NFC) area. Interest is warranted due to the advantages of these materials compared to others, such as synthetic fibre composites, including low environmental impact and low cost and support their potential across a wide range of applications. Much effort has gone into increasing their mechanical performance to extend the capabilities and applications of this group of materials. This review aims to provide an overview of the factors that affect the mechanical performance of NFCs and details achievements made with them.

A review of recent developments in natural fibre composites and their mechanical performance

Construction and demolition waste generation and properties of recycled aggregate concrete: A global perspective

Plant fibres, perceived as environmentally sustainable substitutes to E-glass, are increasingly being employed as reinforcements in polymer matrix composites. However, despite the promising technical properties of cellulose-based fibres and the historic use of plant fibre reinforced plastics (PFRPs) in load-bearing components, the industrial uptake of PFRPs in structural applications has been limited. Through an up-to-date critical review of the literature, this manuscript presents an overview on key aspects that need consideration when developing PFRPs for structural applications, including the selection of (I) the fibre type, fibre extraction process and fibre surface modification technique, (II) fibre volume fraction, (III) reinforcement geometry and interfacial properties, (IV) reinforcement packing arrangement and orientation and (V) matrix type and composite manufacturing technique. A comprehensive materials selection chart (Ashby plot) is also produced to facilitate the design of a PFRP component, based on the (absolute and specific) tensile properties.

Developing plant fibre composites for structural applications by optimising composite parameters: a critical review

A critical review and assessment for usage of recycled aggregate as sustainable construction material

Properties and applications of FRP in strengthening RC structures: A review

Flexural response of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with near surface mounted (NSM) fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) bars

An experimental study of the flexural behaviour of GFRP RC beams and comparison with prediction models

An experimental study of different factors affecting the bond of NSM FRP bars in concrete

Experimental and analytical investigation into the flexural performance of RC beams with partially and fully bonded NSM FRP bars/strips

FRP reinforcement in RC structures

L. Torres

Papers

Flexural response of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened with near surface mounted (NSM) fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) bars

An experimental study of the flexural behaviour of GFRP RC beams and comparison with prediction models

An experimental study of different factors affecting the bond of NSM FRP bars in concrete

Experimental and analytical investigation into the flexural performance of RC beams with partially and fully bonded NSM FRP bars/strips

FRP reinforcement in RC structures