keywords: Concrete composites, durability, mechanical properties, natural fibers, service life
Fiber-reinforced concrete is yet to enjoy appreciable patronage in Nigeria. Most importantly, fibers from natural source, despite their abundance in Nigeria, are rarely considered as material for structural concrete. This paper presents a review of natural fibers in the form of agricultural wastes, available in Nigeria. This is for the purpose of using them for construction purpose in other to enhance sustainability in the production of structural concrete. The results of this review show a seeming concentration of researchers on the mechanical properties of concrete with natural fibers like compressive strength, tensile strength, impact energy, etc. Service life or durability properties of concrete with natural fibers are yet to engage the attention of researchers. It is thus recommended that both the mechanical and durability properties of concrete with natural fibers should be given equal attention, when research work on natural fibers is being formulated. This is with a view to bringing to fore, all the properties that will promote its use and thus help in enhancing sustainability in the production of structural concrete.