Hans De Backer

Prof. Hans De Backer

Ghent University, Department of Civil Engineering

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

24Years (2003-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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1 June 2019 in Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
BWBenjin Wang
Benjin Wang
WNWim Nagy
Wim Nagy
HBHans De Backer
Hans De Backer
ACAirong Chen
Airong Chen


1 December 2016 in Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
BWBenjin Wang
Benjin Wang
HBHans De Backer
Hans De Backer
ACAirong Chen
Airong Chen

1 December 2014 in Journal of Constructional Steel Research
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
HBHans De Backer
Hans De Backer
AOAmelie Outtier
Amelie Outtier
PBPhilippe Van Bogaert
Philippe Van Bogaert

28 February 2025 in Fibers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AGAnteneh Geremew
Anteneh Geremew
AOAmelie Outtier
Amelie Outtier
PWPieter De Winne
Pieter De Winne
TDTamene Adugna Demissie
Tamene Adugna Demissie
HBHans De Backer
Hans De Backer
This research explores the use of treated hybrid natural fibers—wheat straw and bamboo—as reinforcements in concrete for pavement applications. Motivated by environmental and economic benefits, the study investigates how these fibers can enhance the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. Wheat straw fibers, abundant in Ethiopia due to extensive wheat farming, help control micro-cracks and increase the tensile strength of concrete, while bamboo fibers, also locally available, reduce macro-crack propagation and improve concrete toughness. To prepare these fibers, wheat straw was cut to 25 mm in length and bamboo fibers were treated with a 5% sodium hydroxide solution before being cut into lengths of 30, 45, and 60 mm. A concrete mix targeting a cube compressive strength of 30 MPa incorporated 0.1% wheat straw fibers, with varying bamboo fiber contents (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) by weight of cement. The results indicate that the uniquely treated hybrid natural fiber-reinforced concrete mix exhibits noticeable enhancements in mechanical properties, with approximate increases of 4.16%, 8.80%, and 8.93% at 7, 28, and 56 days, respectively. Furthermore, the split tensile strength, flexural strength, and durability properties of the concrete were significantly improved by the proposed fiber concentration and length compared to the control concrete mix design. This treatment also shifted the failure mode of the concrete from brittle to ductile and enhanced its energy absorption capacity up to 7.88% higher than that of the control concrete. Based on the AASHTO 1993 pavement design guidelines, this fiber-reinforced concrete reduces pavement thickness by 11% compared to the control concrete while improving post-cracking behavior. This hybrid natural fiber-reinforced concrete presents a promising, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative for rigid pavement construction.

1 August 2019 in Journal of Constructional Steel Research
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
EPEvy Van Puymbroeck
Evy Van Puymbroeck
GSGilles Van Staen
Gilles Van Staen
NINouman Iqbal
Nouman Iqbal
HBHans De Backer
Hans De Backer