Modeling the Mechanical Behavior of a Cement Mortar Based on Plant Fibers

Today, technological progress demands the use of innovative materials that offer superior thermal and acoustic properties alongside high mechanical performance, all while maintaining economic competitiveness. This need has driven researchers to create a new generation of advanced materials. In Algeria, building facades are primarily made of bricks, which add to the structural weight, prolongs construction time, and offers insufficient thermal and acoustic insulation. The objective of this experimental modeling is to design a new material incorporating plant fibers. This experimental study aims to examine the effect of sisal fiber slenderness by using two different fiber lengths (7cm and 3cm). Various fiber percentages were tested: 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.25%, and 1.5%. After 28 days of curing, mechanical performance was evaluated through compression tests on 4×4×4 cm³ specimens and three-point bending tests on 4×4×16 cm³ specimens. The best variant will be used for manufacturing multi-layer panels. The results showed that fiber-reinforced mortars exhibited higher strength compared to the control mortar.