Investigation of Using Human Hair as Fiber Reinforcement in Concrete

Authors: Junaid Kameran Ahmed1 & Bayan Salim Al Numan2
1Tishk International University, Faculty of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department, Erbil, Iraq
2Tishk International University, Faculty of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department, Erbil, Iraq

Abstract: Overcoming deficiencies like micro-cracks and similar type of problems in concrete by functional and economical way can be done by using fiber reinforcement. Generally, fiber can be used to reduce the permeability in concrete, and to control both dry and plastic shrinkage cracking. It also can be used to decrease the smash resistances and scraping. For construction of light weight seismic resistant structures, it is an active method. Concretes weakness in tension shows the need for more measurement to cover this shortage. The strong ability to withstand tension in human hair was the reason for using it as a fiber reinforced material. Human hair is an accessible material with no cost, and it is a non-degradable material. It also makes environmental issue for its dissolution. It has been a concern in this study the alteration in concrete properties (compressive, flexural strength and cracking control) due to the impact of adding human hair to plain concrete. Adding human hair to concrete is a multi-advantage process because it improves the concrete properties, reduce the cost of producing concrete, and of course serve solving environmental problems. In this study, various percentages of human hair fiber: 0%, 2% and 2.5% by weight of cement were used in six concrete mixes of varying compressive strengths (ranging from 17 to 42 MPa) and tested to investigate the effect of fiber percentage on compressive and flexural strengths. The results show that there are improvements in concrete strength and other properties by using the human hair as fiber reinforcement.

Keywords: Fiber Reinforced Concrete, Compressive Strength, Flexural Strength, Hair Fiber

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Doi: 10.23918/eajse.v7i2p194

Published: March 28, 2022

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