Review on the Use of Natural Fiber in Cellular Lightweight Concrete for Concrete Block Applications

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable building materials has driven research into enhancing the mechanical properties of Cellular Lightweight Concrete (CLC) using natural fibers. This systematic review evaluates the effects of fiber type, treatment, size, and volume fraction on the mechanical properties of CLC, with a focus on compliance with SNI 8640-2018 standards for lightweight concrete blocks. The review was conducted using the PRISMA flowchart, analyzing 13 relevant studies from Scopus and Google Scholar. Results indicate that alkali-treated fibers, such as agave and sugarcane bagasse, significantly improve mechanical performance by enhancing fiber-matrix adhesion. Optimal fiber length (15–20 mm) and volume fraction (0.3–0.45%) were identified for effective crack resistance and strength enhancement. Most fiber-reinforced CLC mixtures met the SNI standard, achieving compressive strengths ≥2 MPa and densities within 750–1200 kg/m³. Untreated fibers also showed improvements at low volumes. Further research is recommended to explore locally available fibers (e.g., coconut, pineapple leaf, and water hyacinth) that remain underexplored but hold promise for future research. This study highlights the potential of natural fibers in developing eco-friendly lightweight construction materials while identifying gaps for further investigation.