Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Major
Architectural Engineering
Research Advisor
Libre, Nicolas A.
Advisor's Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Funding Source
OURE/Dr. Nicolas Libre
Abstract
This research is aimed at investigating the f~asibility of implementing natural fibers, such as hemp fibers, in lieu of synthetic fibers as sustainable and environmentally friendly resources in concrete production. In the first stage of this study, a surface treatment was applied to hemp fibers 12 mm± 2 mm in length using a 5 wt% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to determine the effect treated hemp fibers have on cementitious composites. Additionally, three cement mortars were made with different fiber ratios (0.75%, 1.5%, 3%) to determine the optimal hemp fiber content of the mortars. Concrete samples were cast also concrete filaments were printed using the custom-made 3D concrete printer. Form cast samples and printed filament samples were produced to determine the compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths as well as the shrinkage capacity, rheological properties, structural build up, extrudability, buildability, and fiber dispersion of the mortars.
Biography
Zachary is in his 5th as an undergraduate Architectural Engineering student. He came to Missouri S& T with prospects to continue his football career, but after three years decided that researching the development of eco-friendly, sustainable building materials was his true passion. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to research the feasibility of implementing hemp fibers as a more sustainable means of reinforcing 3D printable cementitious composites.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Award
Engineering Oral Session - Second Place
Location
Havener Center - Carver Room
Presentation Date
10 April 2024, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Feasibility of Using Hemp Fiber Reinforcement in 3D Printing Cementitious Composites
Havener Center - Carver Room
This research is aimed at investigating the f~asibility of implementing natural fibers, such as hemp fibers, in lieu of synthetic fibers as sustainable and environmentally friendly resources in concrete production. In the first stage of this study, a surface treatment was applied to hemp fibers 12 mm± 2 mm in length using a 5 wt% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to determine the effect treated hemp fibers have on cementitious composites. Additionally, three cement mortars were made with different fiber ratios (0.75%, 1.5%, 3%) to determine the optimal hemp fiber content of the mortars. Concrete samples were cast also concrete filaments were printed using the custom-made 3D concrete printer. Form cast samples and printed filament samples were produced to determine the compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths as well as the shrinkage capacity, rheological properties, structural build up, extrudability, buildability, and fiber dispersion of the mortars.
