Research progress on aligned fiber reinforced cement-based composites

Incorporating fibers to cement-based composites can greatly improve the mechanical properties of the fiber reinforced cement-based composites (FRC). Specially, the reinforcement of fibers with homogenous distribution and aligned-orientation is more effective. Numerous studies have been performed on the aligned fiber reinforced cement-based composites (AFRC) due to their excellent mechanical properties. This review overviews existing research findings about AFRC. Firstly, three main methods of fiber alignment in cement-based materials are introduced. Then, the characteristics of destructive and non-destructive methods for detecting fiber orientation are discussed. Next, the mechanical properties of AFRC are comprehensively analyzed, including flexural strength, tensile strength, shear strength, fracture behavior, and dynamic properties. And the reasons for the highly-efficient reinforcement of mechanical properties of materials are revealed. Finally, the main conclusions and future prospects of AFRC are discussed to provide guidance to assist with relevant studies in the future.