LAUSR

Abstract This experimental work aims to develop an eco-lightweight concrete using prickly pear fibres and to assess their physico-mechanical properties. Thus, the study is devoted to determine physical, mechanical and thermal characteristics of concrete based on prickly pear fibres treated with hot water as well as investigating the effect of the fibre length. The obtained results show that, depending on the amount of prickly pear fibres used in the concrete, a 170% flexural strength improvement can be reached. Significant improvements are also recorded when it comes to lightness (up to 25% lighter than conventional concrete) also thermal characteristics (a decrease of 42% in thermal conductivity). However, the use of prickly pears decreases the compressive strength which remains acceptable even if the fibres content is 15 kg/m 3 , and increases the dimensional variations but without approaching the recommended limit of the shrinkage values for wood concretes.