NFRP strengthening of reinforced concrete beams

The construction industry is currently the second largest consumer of synthetic FRP products. Increasing environmental awareness and the push for sustainable development fuels the drive to develop high strength natural fibres and bioplastics that can replace the conventional synthetic FRP components. Lignocellulosic plant fibres have considerable high strength and they are currently being used for non-structural applications in various industries. With proper fibre selection, the right fibre orientation, optimal fibre aspect ratio and good interfacial adhesion property between fibre and matrix, natural fibre reinforced polymer (NFRP) composite can be developed for structural applications. This review discusses NFRP composite in terms of its constituents, the fibre-matrix interaction, its manufacture and its use for strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. (paper)