The push for sustainability in the construction sector has demanded the use of increasingly renewable resources. These natural fibers are biodegradable and non-toxic, and their mechanical capabilities are superior to those of synthetic fibers in terms of strength and durability. A lot of research recommends coconut fibers as an alternative to synthetic fibers. However, the knowledge is scattered, and no one can easily judge the suitability of coconut fibers in concrete. This paper presents a summary of research progress on coconut fiber (natural fibers) reinforced concrete. The effects of coconut fibers on the properties of concrete are reviewed. Factors affecting the fresh, hardened, and durability properties of concrete reinforced with coconut fiber are discussed. Results indicate that coconut fiber improved the mechanical performance of concrete due to crack prevention, similar to the synthetic fibers but decreased the flowability of concrete. However, coconut fibers improved flexure strength more effectively than compressive strength. Furthermore, improvement in some durability performance was also observed, but less information is available in this regard. Moreover, the optimum dose is an important parameter for high-strength concrete. The majority of researchers indicate that 3.0% coconut fiber is the optimum dose. The overall study demonstrates that coconut fibers have the creditability to be used in concrete instead of synthetic fibers.

Concrete consumes millions of tons of cement, which causes global warming as cement factories emit huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Thus, it is essential to explore alternative materials as a substitute of OPC, which are eco-friendly and at the same time cost-effective. Although there are different options available to use industrial waste instead of cement, such as waste glass, waste marble, silica fume fly ash, or agriculture waste such as rice husk ash, wheat straw ash, etc., but bentonite clay is also one of the best options to be used as a binding material. There are a lot of diverse opinions regarding the use of bentonite clay as a cement substitute, but this knowledge is scattered, and no one can easily judge the suitability of bentonite clay as a binding material. Accordingly, a compressive review is essential to explore the suitability of bentonite clay as a cementitious material. This review focuses on the appropriateness of bentonite clay as a binding material in concrete production. The attention of this review is to discuss the physical and chemical composition of BC and the impact of BC on the fresh and mechanical performance of concrete. Furthermore, durability performance such as water absorption, acid resistance and dry shrinkage are also discussed. The results indicate that bentonite clay increased the mechanical and durability performance of concrete up to some extent but decrease its flowability. The optimum proportion of bentonite clay varies from 15 to 20% depending on the source of bentonite clay. The overall study demonstrates that bentonite clay has the creditability to be utilized partially instead of cement in concrete.

Since the early ages of human existence on Earth, humans have fought against natural hazards for survival. Over time, the most dangerous hazards humanity has faced are earthquakes and strong winds. Since then and till nowadays, the challenges are ongoing to construct higher buildings that can withstand the forces of nature. This paper is a detailed review of various vibration control strategies used to enhance the dynamical response of high-rise buildings. Hence, different control strategies studied and used in civil engineering are presented with illustrations of real applications if existing. The main aim of this review paper is to provide a reference-rich document for all the contributors to the vibration control of structures. This paper will clarify the applicability of specific control strategies for high-rise buildings. It is worth noting that not all the studied and investigated methods are applicable to high-rise buildings; a few of them remain limited by many parameters such as cost-effectiveness and engineering-wise installation and maintenance.