Abstract:
Waste management strategies have increasingly emphasized the utilization of waste materials in recent times. The evolution of cement and concrete technology has directed its focus towards creating environmentally sustainable concrete through the incorporation of waste materials and cellulosic fibers. This paradigm shift is attributed to the manifold technological, economic, and ecological benefits it offers. This study explores the feasibility of employing Kenaf fiber, a natural fiber, and Rice Husk Ash (RHA), a byproduct of agricultural waste, to develop bio-fibrous concrete endowed with heightened impact resistance and strength characteristics.
In this research, four distinct mixtures were formulated, varying the RHA content from 0% to 15% at 5% increments, with an initial base comprising concrete without fibers. These mixes were juxtaposed against another set of four mixes that integrated 50 mm length Kenaf fibers at a volume fraction of 0.5% along with RHA content ranging from 0% to 15%, serving as supplementary cementing material. Impact resistance and energy absorption properties of the RHA-infused Kenaf fibrous concrete were evaluated using the drop weight impact test methodology.
Incorporating Kenaf fibers led to a reduction in slump values and an extension in the VeBe time of fresh concrete. Furthermore, the inclusion of varying percentages of RHA negatively influenced the workability of both fiberless and fibrous concrete. With the passage of time, the compressive strength of fibrous concrete mixtures containing RHA exhibited substantial enhancement, surpassing the values of mixes composed solely of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The synergistic interplay between Kenaf fibers and RHA yielded heightened tensile and flexural strengths, along with improved impact resistance. Consequently, concrete ductility was augmented, accompanied by superior energy absorption and enhanced crack dispersion.
The investigation established that the combination of 5% Kenaf Fiber (KF) and 10% Rice Husk Ash (RHA) resulted in remarkable enhancements of 12%, 26.3%, 30.8%, and 3.9% in compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and energy absorption, respectively, in comparison to the control mixture. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the viability of Kenaf fiber and rice husk ash as viable construction materials for sustainable concrete applications.
Assessment of Impact Resistance Behavior in RHA-Incorporated Kenaf Fibrous Concrete. GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
