3rd Croatian Conference on Earthquake Engineering 3CroCEE

Technological development in construction has brought significant advances in the application of materials, particularly composites such as fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) and textile-reinforced concrete (TRC). These materials have become widely used due to their excellent mechanical properties, including high strength and low weight, making them suitable for the refurbishment of damaged structures and the development of new building systems. However, they face challenges such as instability at high temperatures, which can lead to their degradation. In addition, the production of FRP and TRC often involves chemical processes that can have harmful effects on the environment and human health, raising questions about their sustainability and environmental impact.
In response to these challenges, current research is focusing on the development of natural composites, in particular the Natural Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (NFRCM). These composites use natural fibers as reinforcement in cementitious matrices, reducing the environmental impact while maintaining similar mechanical properties to conventional materials. NFRCMs represent a sustainable alternative to chemically produced materials, and their application can significantly reduce the impact of the construction industry's impact on the environment and human health.
The aim of this review is to systematize the existing knowledge on NFRCMs, analyze their advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional composite materials and provide a critical overview of current research and development in this field. Particular attention is given to the challenges associated with the development of new matrices based on natural materials, including the evaluation of their mechanical properties and durability. The paper provides an overview of current materials and reinforcement processes using natural fibers, identifies key areas requiring further research and improvement, and offers guidelines for future research and development activities.