Performance Evaluation of Bio Fibrous Concrete Incorporating Kenaf Fibre

Abstract

This study presents an experimental research program that is conducted to investigate some selected mechanical properties and time dependent properties of Kenaf Biofibrous Concrete Composite (KBFCC) under sustained load. The testing procedures are basically in accordance with the requirement of the American Standard of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the British Standard (BS), 11 concrete mixtures were evaluated, and replicate batches for all these mixes were also being produced are evaluated. Kenaf fibre length of 25mm and 50mm, and fibre content of 0%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0% and 2.0% by volume of concrete mix was incorporated in the mix design. 0.5% fibre content and 50mm fibre length was the optimum mix determined and was used in the production of specimen for compressive creep. The Kenaf fibre decreased the slump values and increased the VeBe time of fresh concrete. Likewise, the addition of Kenaf fibres did not improve the compressive strength. However, the positive interaction of concrete with Kenaf leads to higher tensile and flexural strengths. Despite lower strength development, an increment in the post-failure compressive strength of concrete composite was observed in all mixes. A significant enhancement up to about 23.1% was also observed on the creep of the concrete composite containing Kenaf fibre, as compared to that of plain concrete. The study showed that the utilization of Kenaf fibre in the production of concrete is feasible from both environmental and technical points of view.