[pt] O presente estudo experimental apresenta o comportamento mecânico e a durabilidade de compósitos de solo arenoso reforçado com fibras de polipropileno e de fibras vegetais de coco, sisal e curauá, aleatoriamente distribuídas, submetidos ao envelhecimento natural, com o objetivo de estudar a sua aplicação em obras geotécnicas. O programa experimental consistiu na execução de ensaios triaxiais drenados nas amostras de areia pura, areia-fibra no tempo zero (amostras de controle) e nos compósitos expostos por um período máximo de 8 meses, com o objetivo de avaliar a durabilidade dos compósitos. Foram realizados ensaios de tração direta nas fibras vegetais sem degradação e nas fibras utilizadas como reforço em compósitos expostos ao ambiente externo e ao tempo, localizadas nas profundidades de 75 e 125 cm. Para um melhor entendimento da variação dos resultados obtidos, os ensaios triaxiais e de tração foram executados nos intervalos de tempo: 0, 60, 120 e 240 dias. Foi possível observar que todos os compósitos expostos apresentaram queda na resistência de cisalhamento, em relação às amostras de controle, inclusive os reforçados com fibra de polipropileno. Os compósitos reforçados com fibra de coco apresentaram baixa degradação, se comparados com as amostras reforçadas com outras fibras vegetais. Quanto aos ensaios de tração, a fibra de curauá apresentou as maiores resistências à tração inicial e final, após os 8 meses, porém foi a fibra que mais sofreu degradação durante o período em exposição, sofrendo grandes per-das de resistência. Todas as fibras analisadas apresentaram degradação maior na profundidade de 75 cm. / [en] The present experimental study presents the mechanical behavior and the du-rability of composites of sandy soil reinforced with polypropylene fibers and vegetal fibers of coconut, sisal and curauá, randomly distributed, submitted to the natural aging, with the objective of studying their application in earthworks. The experimental program consisted in the execution of triaxial tests in the sand, sand-fiber samples at zero time (control samples) and in the exposed composites for up to 8 months, in order to evaluate the durability of the composites. Direct tensile tests were done on the non-degraded natural fibers and on the fibers used as reinforcement in samples exposed to the external environment and to the time, located at depths of 75 and 125 cm. For a better understanding of the variation of the obtained results, the triaxial and tensile tests were performed in the time intervals: 0, 60, 120 and 240 days. It was possible to observe that all exposed composites presented a drop in shear strength, in relation to the control samples, inclusive those reinforced with polypropylene fiber. The composites reinforced with coconut fiber presented low degradation when compared with the samples forced with other vegetable fibers. Regarding the tensile tests, the curaua fiber showed the greatest resistance to the initial and final traction, after 8 months, but it was the fiber that suffered the most degradation during the exposure period, suffering great losses of resistance. All the analyzed fibers presented degradation greater in the depth of 75 cm.

[pt] A dissertação consiste em um estudo sobre tecnologias de baixo impacto, utilizando materiais como terra crua, fibras e resinas vegetais. Insere-se na linha de pesquisa do Laboratório de Investigação em Livre Desenho (LILD), do Departamento de Artes e Design da PUC-Rio. O objetivo do estudo é o desenvolvimento de objetos adotando metodologia do LILD, e sua experimentação em dois domínios: o de laboratório, que chamamos situacional, e o físico e social, destinado à observação do objeto em uso, que chamamos cultural. Na passagem de um domínio para o outro, o objeto fica sujeito a uma diversidade de interações. No domínio situacional, os conhecimentos existentes sobre a permeabilidade ao ar e a transferência de calor são aprofundados. Formas com estruturas internas alveolares de barro, para funcionar como unidades de vedações arquitetônicas, são estudadas e diferentes acabamentos são experimentados. No domínio cultural, envolvendo locais como Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais e São Paulo, são observados os aspectos de atividades convivenciais (termo de Ivan Illich, 1976), em que, nas ações de construção, está embutido o aprendizado. Diversas experiências são relatadas, todas envolvendo o uso de materiais como terra crua, fibras naturais e resinas naturais, no desenvolvimento de atividades de construção de uma cobertura e de um forno de barro; restauração de uma capela com estrutura geodésica; construção de um minhocário com estrutura treliçada; construção de um túnel em fibrobarro e reforma de um apartamento. Um levantamento fotográfico, sobre técnicas construtivas vinculadas a estes materiais no mundo, se encontra no apêndice. As habitações são vistas não somente sob o enfoque antropológico e construtivo, mas também sob a observação in loco do autor, em sua volta ao mundo de bicicleta. / [en] This dissertation consists in one study on low-impact technologies that use materials such as raw earth, fibers, and vegetal resins. It is part of the research line from PUC-Rio’s Department of Arts and Design’s Laboratory for Investigation in Living Design (LILD). The purpose of this study is the development of objects adopting the LILD s methodology, in which objects are analyzed under two domains: the laboratory, called situational, and the physical-social, encompassing the use of the object, called cultural. When passing from one domain to the other, the object stays under a diversity of its interactions. The analysis of the situational domain furthers the existing knowledge on air permeability and heat transfer through in-lab analyses of honeycomb-shaped clay structures serving as architectonic sealing units as well as experiments with various finishing options to the clay-fiber surface. On the other hand, the aspects of conviviality activities – term by Ivan Illich, 1976, in which learning is enclosed in construction endeavors – are explored in cultural domains located in Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Sao Paulo. Several experiences are reported, all of them involving the use of materials like raw earth, and natural fibers and resins, for the development of activities such as the construction of a shelter, a clay oven, and a clay-fiber tunnel, the restoration of a geodesic-structured chapel, the construction of a lattice-structured worm farm, and the renovation of an apartment. The appendix includes a photographic study of construction techniques associated with these materials across the world. Dwellings are seen not only under an anthropologic and construction perspective, but also through the author’s point of view on site during his bicycle tour around the world.

Actuellement l’industrie montre un intérêt croissant pour le développement de matériaux composites intégrant des constituants issus de la biomasse. Dans ce contexte, différentes fibres lignocellulosiques sont envisageables en tant qu'alternative aux fibres de verre pour le renforcement des matrices thermoplastiques ou thermodurcissables. En effet, les fibres végétales présentent des caractéristiques physiques intéressantes, telles qu’une faible densité et de bonnes propriétés mécaniques spécifiques, associées à un impact environnemental réduit, leur permettant ainsi de répondre à des problématiques sociétales. Cependant, la forte variabilité naturelle des dimensions et des propriétés mécaniques des fibres végétales rend nécessaire le développement de méthodologies de caractérisation spécifiques permettant en particulier de quantifier leur forte sensibilité à l’humidité. La première partie de cette thèse présente la mise en place d'une stratégie de caractérisation des dimensions transversales des fibres végétales s’appuyant sur une technique de balayage laser associée à une modélisation géométrique fiabilisée. Cette méthodologie est validée sur la base d’une étude dimensionnelle de faisceaux de fibres issus de différentes espèces végétales morphologiquement contrastées (lin, chanvre, ortie, sisal, palmier). La modélisation proposée permet de réduire de manière significative la dispersion des propriétés mécaniques des faisceaux de fibres étudiés. Dans une seconde partie, l’effet de l’humidité sur les variations dimensionnelles et le comportement mécanique des fibres végétales est quantifié. Les résultats révèlent des phénomènes de gonflement et de plastification des parois cellulaires différenciés selon la composition biochimique et la microstructure des différentes espèces végétales. / Currently, the industry is showing a growing interest in the development of composite materials incorporating components derived from biomass. In this context, various plant species can be used as reinforcement of thermoplastic and thermoset, in substitution to glass fibres. Indeed, natural fibres have interesting physical characteristics, such as their low density and good specific mechanical properties associated with the fact that they reduce environmental impacts answering to societal problems. However, the high natural variability of their dimensions and mechanical properties make it necessary to develop specific characterization methods particularly to quantify their high humidity sensitivity. The first part of this study presents the development of characterization methodologies of natural fibres transverse dimensions based on an automated laser scanning technique associated with a reliable geometric modeling and validated on plant species with contrasted morphologies (flax, hemp, sisal, nettle, and palm). The proposed modeling makes it possible to drastically reduce the mechanical properties dispersion of the studied fibre bundles. In a second part the effect of humidity conditions on the dimensional variations and the mechanical behavior of natural fibres are quantified. The results revealed contrasted swelling and plasticization behaviour, depending on biochemical composition and microstructure of plant species.

Cette thèse a été réalisée au sein du LERMAB et du CETELOR et se consacre à la mise au point de matériaux composites biosourcés à plus de 98%. Des fibres libériennes de type lin, chanvre, kénaf et jute ont ainsi été sélectionnées, caractérisées chimiquement et physiquement. Les renforts en nontissés sont définis ici comme une superposition de voiles (ou nappes de fibres) cohésifs produits par cardage pneumatique et dont la consolidation est réalisée par aiguilletage. Les voies que nous avons choisies au cours de ce travail nous ont permis d'appréhender et de mettre en évidence l'importance de la qualité des fibres sur les propriétés mécaniques et structurales des matériaux développés. Les renforts réalisés dans un premier temps dans une gamme de poids de 200 à 800 g/m² en simple, double ou triple épaisseurs ont ensuite été optimisés dans le but de préserver les propriétés mécaniques des fibres et de permettre une bonne accessibilité de la résine d'imprégnation. Pour limiter les facteurs de complications, les paramètres process ont été limités pour toutes les fibres et composites. Les fibres ont été mises en oeuvre seules ou en mélanges, et imprégnées de matrice à base de résine naturelle tannin de mimosa et d'hexamine (comme durcisseur) ou de résine synthétique de type époxy. Des biocomposites à taux de fibres en masse de plus de 50% et de densité entre 0,9 et 1,2 ont été obtenus. Les modules d'élasticité atteignent 6 GPa en flexion et en traction. Pour les contraintes, les moyennes atteignent 42 MPa et 75MPa respectivement en traction et en flexion / This thesis was carried out within the LERMAB and the CETELOR and about the development of more than 98% biobased composites materials. Bast fibre type flax, hemp, kenaf and jute were selected, characterized chemically and physically. Nonwovens reinforcements are defined here as a superposition of cohesive webs products by pneumatic carding and consolidation by needling. The process we have chosen during this work allowed us to understand and to highlight the importance of the quality of the fibers on the mechanical and structural properties of the materials developed. Reinforcements made initially in a weight range from 200 to 800 g/m² in single, double or triple thicknesses have then been optimized to preserve the mechanical properties of the fibers and allow good accessibility of the impregnating resin. To limit the factors of complications, the process parameters have been limited for all fibers and composites. Fibers have been used singly or in mixtures, and impregnated by a matrix of natural tannin from mimosa and hexamine (as a hardener) or by synthetic resin of epoxy. Biocomposites with a rate of fibre mass over 50%, and density between 0.9 and 1.2 were obtained. Elasticity Modulus reach 6 GPa flexural and tensile. For strenght, averages reach 42 MPa and 75MPa respectively in tensile and bending

L'utilisation des composites biosourcés dans des applications extérieures pour le génie civil pose le problème de leur durabilité dans les conditions d'utilisation, en raison de la forte hydrophilie des fibres naturelles. En effet, le comportement de ces composites en présence d’eau et d’humidité ou face aux contraintes thermiques et agressions biologiques est mal connu. L’objectif de cette thèse est d’étudier, par des analyses multi-échelles, la réversibilité des évolutions des propriétés de composites à matrice polyéthylène renforcée par des fibres courtes de lin. Pour ce faire, des cycles humidification/séchage ont été réalisés lors de vieillissement hydro et hygrothermiques, à 30 et 80°C. L’influence du taux de fibres et de la qualité de l'interface sur l’évolution de ces propriétés a été évaluée. De même, une étude de l’impact du développement microbien sur les composites a été réalisée pendant 6 mois. Après une caractérisation initiale des matériaux, les évolutions des caractéristiques cinétiques de coefficients de diffusion et de prise de masse au cours des vieillissements ont été évaluées. Ainsi, deux phénomènes antagonistes semblent gouverner l'évolution du coefficient de diffusion des composites. Dans un second temps, la caractérisation mécanique de ces composites au cours du vieillissement a permis d'identifier les phénomènes mis en jeu. Les évolutions du module mécanique à 30°C sont réversibles après séchage et sont attribuées à une plastification des microfibrilles de cellulose. Ces chutes s'accentuent et deviennent irréversibles à 80°C, mettant en évidence des dégradations plus importantes des matériaux. Dans un troisième temps, le phénomène de dégradation biologique de ces matériaux a été étudié. Il a été vérifié que les microorganismes sont responsables de consommation sélective de composants de fibres de lin et que leur croissance est favorisée par le taux de fibres dans le composite / The use of bio-based composites in outdoor applications for civil engineering raises the issue of their sustainability in service. This is mainly due to the highly hydrophilic character of natural fibers. Indeed, the behavior of these composites in a wet environment or under thermal and biological constraints is not well known. The main objective of this study is to get a better understanding of the reversibility of bio-based composites properties. Therefore, wetting/ drying cycles were performed on polyethylene/short flax fibre composites under hydro and hygrothermal ageing at 30 and 80°C. The influence of the fiber content and the interface quality on the mechanical properties was monitored. Moreover, a 6 months study of a microbial growth impact on these composites was carried out. A characterization of the non-aged materials was conducted first. Then, the kinetic parameters such as the water diffusion coefficient and the weight changes due to ageing were determined. Two competing mechanisms seem to affect the diffusion coefficient. The mechanical characterization of these composites during aging has enabled the identification of the aging mechanisms. Changes in the mechanical modulus at 30°C were mostly reversible after a drying cycle and were associated with a plasticizing effect of the water molecules on the cellulose microfibrils. The property losses increase and become irreversible at 80°C, which indicates a higher degradation of the composites. Finally, the biological degradation of these materials has been studied. It was verified that selective consumption of flax fiber components by microorganisms occurs, and that their growth is favored by the fiber content in the composite

Die Verwendung von „klassischen“ Naturfasern als Verstärkungskomponente in Kunststoffbauteilen ist durch ihr besonderes Eigenschaftsspektrum in Kombination mit wirtschaftlichen und ökologischen Vorteilen im gesamten Lebenszyklus begründet. Die Technologien zur Verarbeitung von Naturfasern zu Bauteilen wurden in den vergangenen Jahren kontinuierlich weiterentwickelt, wobei das Hauptaugenmerk auf der Optimierung von Material- und Verfahrensparametern bekannter Technologielösungen lag. Komplexe Anwendungen im Automobilbau erfordern allerdings eine ganzheitliche Betrachtung der gesamten Wertschöpfungskette von der Rohstoffbereitstellung über die Halbzeugfertigung bis hin zur Bauteilentwicklung und -herstellung. In diesem Zusammenhang weisen neuartige Faserverstärkungen aus Ganzpflanzenrohstoffen (GPR) gegenüber den konventionell aufgeschlossenen Naturfasern ein Potenzial für deutlich höhere Material- und Kosteneffizienz auf. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Bereitstellung einer werkstoffgerechten Auslegungsstrategie für eine neue durchgängige Prozesskette zur Herstellung von naturfaserverstärkten Bauteilen unter Einsatz von Ganzpflanzenrohstoffen. Am Beispiel der Flachspflanze werden dabei die verketteten Prozessstufen und die zugehörigen Schnittstellen entwickelt, charakterisiert und validiert. Darüber hinaus wird zur Umsetzung von Leichtbauanforderungen der Ansatz verfolgt, funktionale Zusammenhänge zwischen mechanischen Werkstoffkennwerten und lokaler Bauteildichte für eine belastungsgerechte Bauteilauslegung in Leichtbauweise zu erfassen. / The use of „classical“ natural fibres as reinforcing part for plastic components is caused by their particular property range in combination with economical and ecological advantages in the total life cycle. In recent years, technologies for the processing of natural fibres to components were continuously developed, focused on optimising material and process parameters of existing technology solutions. Certainly, complex applications in the automobile industry require an integrated consideration of the total value added chain from material supply to manufacturing of semi-finished products up to component development and production. In this regard novel fibre reinforcements made from whole plant materials possess potential for considerably higher material and cost efficiency compared to conventional natural fibres. The Intention of this work is to provide a material-specific dimensioning strategy for a new integrated process chain to produce natural fibre reinforced components by using raw materials made of the whole plant. Linked process steps and related interfaces were developed, characterised and validated by using the example of a flax plant. Moreover, the approach of realizing lightweight construction requirements is necessary in order to measure functional relations between material parameters and local density for the load-bearing part dimensioning in lightweight structure.

Increasing demand for new progressive construction materials requires development of modern environmentally friendly materials with excellent end-use properties and reasonable price. One of the main objectives of material research in building industry is using renewable resources of raw materials of industrial waste for development of new construction materials. Current trend of thermal insulation of building constructions results in development of environmentally friendly insulation materials based on renewable material resources from agriculture and stock farming, which could became alternative for current common use insulation materials in the future. The thesis describes research and development of insulation materials based on natural fibres of agricultural origin; in particular fibres of hemp, flax and jute. Hydrothermal behavior of developed materials is studied including computational simulation of behavior of researched materials after building in the construction.

[pt] Este trabalho discute experimentalmente a utilização de fibras naturais em compósitos cimentícios para o reforço de elementos estruturais de concreto. Para tal, foram analisadas a morfologia e a durabilidade de fibras de curauá, cânhamo e sisal, bem como suas propriedades mecânicas. Dentre as fibras estudadas, o curauá apresentou o melhor desempenho, o que justificou sua implementação como reforço nos compósitos cimentícios. Para o projeto do compósito, foi decidido que o volume de fibras seria aplicado dividido em três camadas paralelas, em um arranjo alinhado longitudinalmente, como um tecido unidirecional. Os compósitos cimentícios reforçados com tecido de curauá foram mecanicamente caracterizados por testes de tração, flexão, compressão e cisalhamento. Após a investigação no nível material, o compósito desenvolvido foi aplicado sobre a superfície das vigas estruturais como um laminado afim de aumentar a capacidade portante sob duas condições de carregamento: flexão e cisalhamento. Os resultados experimentais dos ensaios estruturais foram confrontados com modelos analíticos para comparação. Os compósitos apresentaram um comportamento mecânico de alta performance, tendo alcançado o comportamento strain-hardening em todos os casos. Como reforço estrutural, o compósito proporcionou às vigas aumentos de resistência e ductilidade. Foi observado também um atraso no escoamento dos vergalhões de aço. / [en] This work experimentally discusses the use of natural fibers in cement-based composites for the strengthening of concrete structural elements. For such, the morphology and durability of curauá, hemp, and sisal fibers were analyzed, as well as their mechanical properties. Among the studied fibers, the curauá presented the best performance, which justified its implementation as reinforcement for cement-based composites. For the composite design, it was decided that the volume of fibers would be applied splitted into three parallel layers, in a longitudinally aligned arrangement, like a unidirectional fabric. A layer of this fabric was performed under a tensile test aiming to better understand its mechanical behavior. The cement-based composites reinforced with curauá fabric were mechanically characterized by tensile, bending, combined load compression, and shear tests. After the investigation at the material level, the developed composite was applied over the surface of structural beams as laminates, seeking to provide its strengthening under two distinct loading conditions: bending and shear. The experimental results of the structural tests were confronted with analytical models for comparison. The composites showed a high mechanical performance, achieving the strain-hardening behavior in all cases. When used as a structural reinforcement, the composite provided to the beams increases of strength and ductility. It was also observed a yielding delay in the steel reabars.

[pt] Neste trabalho foi realizado um estudo comparativo do desempenho mecânico e da durabilidade de concretos reforçados com macrofibras discretas de sisal e polipropileno. Foram utilizadas duas matrizes cimentícias com teores distintos de material pozolânico. As duas fibras, com comprimento de 51 mm, foram incorporadas em dosagens de 3 a 15 kg/m3. Foram realizados ensaios de tração direta para ambas as fibras, obtendo-se valores de tensões equivalentes. Para caracterização mecânica dos compósitos, foram realizados ensaios de flexão em três pontos sob carregamento monotônico, de acordo com o procedimento da norma EN 14651. Também se avaliou este comportamento sob carregamentos cíclicos. Na avaliação da aderência fibra-matriz, ensaios de arrancamento foram realizados. A fibra de sisal apresentou menor aderência nas duas matrizes. Todos os compósitos com fibras de sisal e polipropileno apresentaram comportamento deflection softening quando submetidos à flexão. Para se obter desempenho mecânico na flexão similar para ambas as fibras, foi necessário aproximadamente o dobro da dosagem de fibras de sisal. De acordo com a classificação proposta pelo fib Model Code, essas fibras podem substituir parcialmente ou integralmente o reforço convencional no estado limite último. A durabilidade dos compósitos foi estudada por meio de processo de envelhecimento acelerado, utilizando-se ciclos de molhagem e secagem. A utilização do reforço de sisal na matriz com maior alcalinidade apresentou degradação, enquanto que sua incorporação na matriz livre de hidróxido de cálcio não resultou em perdas mecânicas após os ciclos. Concretos reforçados com fibras de polipropileno não apresentaram degradação pelos processos de envelhecimento acelerado. / [en] This work aims to present a comparative study of the mechanical performance and durability of concretes reinforced with discrete sisal and polypropylene macrofibers. Two cementitious matrices with different pozzolan material content were used. The both fibers were incorporated into fractions of 3 to 15 kg/m3 and were 51 mm long. Direct tensile tests were performed for the fibers, achieving equivalent stress values. For mechanical characterization of the composites, three-point flexural tests were performed under monotonic loading in accordance with the EN 14651 procedure. The behavior under cyclic loading was also investigated. To evaluate the fiber-matrix interaction, pull out tests were performed. The sisal fiber showed lower adhesion with the two matrices. All the composites with sisal and polypropylene fibers presented deflection softening behavior when subjected to flexural loads. In order to obtain similar flexural mechanical performance for both fibers, approximately twice dosage of sisal fiber was required. According to the classification proposed by fib Model Code, these fibers can partially or fully replace the conventional reinforcement at ultimate limit state. The durability of the composites was studied by accelerated aging process through wetting and drying cycles. The use of sisal fibers as reinforcement in the matrix with higher alkalinity showed degradation, while its incorporation into the matrix free of calcium hydroxide did not result in mechanical losses after the cycles. Concretes reinforced with polypropylene fibers did not present degradation caused by accelerated aging processes.

[pt] O presente trabalho propõe-se a analisar o comportamento mecânico de painéis sanduíche constituídos por duas camadas externas de compósitos cimentícios reforçados com fibras naturais, separadas por um núcleo de concreto celular autoclavado (CCA). Cada placa de material compósito foi moldada diretamente sobre a superfície de um bloco de CCA, por meio da disposição manual de três camadas unidirecionais de fibras longas de curauá. Visando prover maior durabilidade ao compósito, desenvolveu-se uma matriz com baixo teor de hidróxido de cálcio, substituindo uma parcela do cimento por materiais pozolânicos. Ensaios de caracterização da matriz, dos filamentos de curauá e dos blocos de CCA foram realizados para a obtenção de suas propriedades independentes. Os compósitos foram submetidos a ensaios de arrancamento do tecido, tração direta e flexão a quatro pontos para a avaliação de diferentes aspectos de seus mecanismos de fissuração, resistência e capacidade de deformação. Zonas de carregamento foram indicadas em cada caso para demonstrar o comportamento padrão dos compósitos. Os painéis sanduíche, por sua vez, foram analisados em termos de interface, por meio de ensaios de aderência e micrografias da superfície de transição dos materiais, e de desempenho mecânico, por ensaios de flexão a quatro pontos cíclicos e monotônicos. Esses últimos forneceram a rigidez, capacidade de carga e deflexão dos painéis sanduíche, tal como as principais propriedades de seus elementos: para o núcleo, a resistência ao cisalhamento e o módulo de cisalhamento, e para as lâminas, a resistência à compressão e à tração. Os ensaios cíclicos testaram a resistência do material a séries de carregamento-descarregamento, enquanto ensaios de aderência foram utilizados para verificar a interface entre os compósitos laminados e o núcleo de CCA. Os resultados indicaram um desempenho satisfatório dos painéis sanduíche, uma vez que os compósitos foram capazes de lhes fornecer um comportamento de strain/deflection hardening, aumentando sua resistência e tenacidade. A adesão entre lâminas-núcleo mostrou-se eficaz, de maneira que os diferentes materiais compreendidos demonstraram interação adequada entre si, bem como propriedades complementares. Dentre os objetivos desse trabalho, encontra-se o desenvolvimento de um material sustentável, leve, resistente e tenaz, de modo que constitua uma alternativa promissora e de baixo custo a aplicações de Engenharia. / [en] This present work aims to analyze the mechanical behavior of sandwich panels consisting of two outer layers of natural fiber-reinforced cementitious composites separated by a core layer of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). The molding of each composite layer was made directly on the surface of an AAC block, by manually arranging three layers of long unidirectional aligned curauá fibers in the mortar. In order to increase the composite durability, a matrix with a low content of calcium hydroxide was developed, where the Portland cement was partially replaced by pozzolanic materials. Characterization tests of the matrix, the curauá filaments and the AAC blocks were performed to obtain their independent properties. The composites were submitted to fabric pull-out tests, direct tensile tests and four-point bending to evaluate different aspects of their cracking mechanisms, strength and deformation capacity. Loading zones were indicated in each case to demonstrate the standard composite behavior. The sandwich panels, on the other hand, were analyzed in terms of interface, through pull-off tests and SEM images of the materials transition surface, and mechanical performance, by means of cyclic and monotonic four-point bending tests. The latter registered the rigidity, load capacity and deflection of the sandwich panels, as well as the main properties of their elements: for the core, shear strength and shear modulus, and for the skin layers, compressive strength and tensile strength. Cyclic tests evaluated the resistance of the material to loading-unloading cycles, while pull-off tests were used to verify the interface between the laminated composites and the AAC core. The results indicated a satisfactory performance of the sandwich panels, since the composite layers provided a strain/deflection hardening behavior to the material, increasing its flexural strength and toughness. The adhesion between the layers and the core proved to be effective, so that the comprised materials displayed adequate interaction between each other, as well as complementary properties. Among the objectives of this work is the development of a sustainable, lightweight, resistant and tough material, in a way that it represents a promising and low-cost alternative to Engineering applications.