Experimental Investigation on Concrete Containing Human Hair as a Fibre Reinforcement: A Review

Abstract

Since ancient times, numerous studies and advances have been made to improve the various properties of concrete. Fiber concrete is one of the developments that offer a convenient, practical and economical way to overcome micro cracks and similar types of defects. As concrete has low tensile strength, some measures must be taken to remedy this deficiency. Human hair is generally straight; so that it can be used as material. It is a nondegradable material, which is available in large quantities and at low cost. It also minimizes the various environmental problems. The experimental results of our study will spur further long-term performance studies to develop this low-cost fiber type for use in structural applications. The tests were carried out on cubes, cylinders and concrete blocks of standard size with the addition of various percentages of human hair fibers, 0%, 0 to 1.5
percent by weight of cement, aggregates thinner and thicker and the results compared with M-20 pure cement concrete. For each
percentage of human hair added to the concrete, the mechanical properties of four cubes, three cylinders and three blocks were
tested at curing times of 3, 7 and 28 days, respectively. The ideal content of hair fibers is achieved with 1.5 percent by cement weight.