Improving Structural Performance of Reinforced Concrete Beams with Phragmites Australia Fiber and Waste Glass Additives  
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1 Faculty of Engineering, Beirut Arab University, Beirut P.O. Box 11-5020, Lebanon 1  
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2 School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Bylbos P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon 2  
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1 Faculty of Engineering, Beirut Arab University, Beirut P.O. Box 11-5020, Lebanon 13 Faculty of Engineering, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton WV1 1 LY, UK 3  
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4 College of Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Alin P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates 4  
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1 Faculty of Engineering, Beirut Arab University, Beirut P.O. Box 11-5020, Lebanon 15 Faculty of Engineering, Beirut P.O. the local economy and communities [6; 7; 8]. The incorporation of sustainable materials in building construction has the potential to improve energy efficiency by increasing thermal mass, leading to improved insulation and better regulation of indoor temperatures [9; 10; 11]. One promising area of research involves the use of natural fibers in concrete, which has the potential to enhance the strength and durability of concrete while simultaneously reducing its environmental impact [12; 13; 14; 15]. Specifically, natural fibers can be employed to replace synthetic fibers such as steel and polypropylene, which are typically utilized in concrete reinforcement [16; 17]. Notably, the addition of hemp fibers to concrete has been shown to enhance its compressive strength and reduce cracking [18; 19]. For instance, concrete with 2% hemp fibers exhibited compressive strength that was approximately 10% higher than that of concrete without hemp fibers, and also exhibited a reduction of about 50% in the occurrence of cracking [20; 21]. Additionally, the use of hemp fibers in concrete improved its flexural strength and toughness, as demonstrated by a flexural strength increase of about 18% in concrete with 2% hemp fibers compared to concrete without hemp fibers [22]. Another study found that the incorporation of hemp fibers improved the tensile strength, flexural strength, and toughness of concrete, with concrete containing 1% hemp fibers exhibiting a tensile strength that was approximately 7% higher than that of concrete without hemp fibers and a flexural strength that was approximately 15% higher than that of concrete without hemp fibers [23]. The use of natural fibers in concrete has also been investigated extensively, including jute, bamboo, and banana fibers. In particular, the addition of jute fibers to concrete has been shown to enhance its compressive strength, flexural strength, and toughness while also reducing the occurrence of cracking. A study demonstrated that concrete with 2% jute fibers had compressive strength that was approximately 10% higher than that of concrete without jute fibers [24]. Similarly, the incorporation of bamboo fibers in concrete has been shown to improve its compressive strength, flexural strength, and toughness. Another study reported that concrete with 2% bamboo fibers had compressive strength that was approximately 5% higher than that of concrete without hemp fibers and also exhibited a flexural strength improvement of about 15%. Moreover, concrete with 1% bamboo fibers exhibited compressive strength that was about 5% higher than that of concrete without bamboo fibers and also exhibited an increase of about 10% in ductility [25; 26]. Phragmites Australis (PA), also known as a common reed, is a perennial grass that typically grows in wetland areas and can reach heights of 15 ft. (4.6 m) or more. The plant's thick, vertical stalks produce broad, pointed leaves that are 6-23.6 in. (15-60 cm) long, 0.4-2.4 in. (1-6 cm) wide, flat, and glabrous. The flower heads are dense, fluffy, gray, or purple, and all parts of the plant can be used for various purposes. In construction, the stems of the PA plant are primarily used. This species has been explored as a renewable, biodegradable, and abundant source of natural fibers for use in concrete.