This study investigated the use of local vegetal wastes, specifically bamboo fibers, to develop a new cementitious material with both insula
This study investigated the use of local vegetal wastes, specifically bamboo fibers, to develop a new cementitious material with both insulating and load-bearing capabilities for construction. Bamboo fiber-reinforced mortar (BFRM) was evaluated for its microstructural, mechanical, and thermal properties. Key parameters, including fiber content, cement-to-sand (C/S) ratio, and aggregate type and size, were analyzed to optimize the formulation. Alkali-treated bamboo fibers were incorporated into the mortar at varying levels, from 30 % to 50 % by weight of cement. The results exhibited that increasing fiber content reduced the density and mechanical strength of cementitious matrix, while conversely improving its thermal insulation properties. An excessive addition of fibers could result in lower thermal conductivity, but would make the composite unsuitable for structural applications. In addition, variations in the C/S ratio affected both thermal and mechanical properties. The optimal mechanical strength was achieved at a C/S ratio of 1/2, as deviations from this ratio did not enhance strength. Furthermore, both silica and tuff-crushed sand were evaluated as fine aggregates. Finer aggregates improved the compactness, produced a denser and resistant matrix but resulted in an increase in the thermal conductivity. The experimental findings identified six formulations that successfully balanced mechanical and thermal insulation properties, classifying them as structural and insulating lightweight concrete. The lowest thermal conductivity recorded was 0.502 W/(m.K), representing a 70 % of reduction compared to the control mortar, while still remained within the minimum standards required for load-bearing strength. This approach offered a sustainable alternative for producing building materials by utilizing locally available vegetal wastes.
