Hair-Based Concrete Reinforcement: A Novel Approach to Sustainable and Cost-Effective Pavement Construction

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective construction materials has led to innovative approaches in concrete reinforcement. This study investigates the impact of human hair fibre as a reinforcement material in concrete pavements, focusing on variations in mechanical properties such as compressive strength, flexural strength, skid resistance, and workability. Human hair, an abundant and biodegradable waste material, possesses high tensile strength comparable to that of copper wire of similar diameter. Its integration into concrete provides potential benefits in enhancing structural integrity while addressing environmental concerns associated with waste disposal. The research involved experimental testing of concrete specimens with different percentages of human hair fibre reinforcement, ranging from 0% to 3% by weight of cement. The findings indicate that the addition of hair fibres up to a certain threshold improves the flexural and compressive strength of concrete while enhancing skid resistance. However, excessive fibre content reduces workability and introduces challenges in uniform mixing. This study underscores the viability of human hair as an eco-friendly and cost-efficient reinforcement alternative in concrete pavement construction, contributing to sustainable engineering practices.