The abstract discusses the merits of Fibrous Concrete Composite (FCC) over Plain Concrete (PC) in terms of enhanced tensile strength and ductility under sustained loads. This paper focuses on the growing interest in sustainable materials, particularly the use of fibers to create fibrous concrete composites, driven by the global pursuit of eco-friendly, low carbon footprint materials for a bio-based economy. This research investigates the mechanical properties of kenaf bio fibrous concrete composites (KBFCC), incorporating sorghum husk ash (SHA) as a partial replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).
The study employs various proportions of kenaf fibers (KF) ranging from 0% to 1.0% with uniform 50mm length, blended with OPC concrete mixes. Additionally, five mixes are formulated with OPC replaced by 10% SHA. The fresh properties, including workability, are assessed using tests like slump, VeBe, compacting factor, and fresh density. Notably, the combination of kenaf fibers and SHA decreases slump values while prolonging VeBe times. For instance, slump values for PC and SHA mixes were 160mm and 140mm, respectively, whereas those with 1% fiber content showed 40mm and 25mm slumps.
Results from the compacting factor and fresh density tests demonstrate that higher fiber content correlates with decreased compacting factor and fresh density. This can be attributed to the density of the fibers (1200kg/m³) and the relatively lower specific gravity of SHA (2.32) in comparison to OPC (3.15). The inclusion of kenaf fibers in OPC or SHA mixes generates a positive synergy, leading to elevated tensile and flexural strengths, ultimately enhancing concrete ductility with improved energy absorption and crack distribution.
The most significant improvements in tensile and flexural strengths, when compared to plain concrete, are observed with the incorporation of 0.5% kenaf fibers after 56 days of curing. This holds true for both OPC-only mixes and those with SHA, yielding strengths of 5.35N/mm², 6.55N/mm², 5.15N/mm², and 5.90N/mm², respectively. In light of effective waste management, the utilization of agricultural waste such as SHA and plant-based resources like KF demonstrates the potential for creating sustainable concrete materials with economic advantages.
The study underscores the recommendation that SHA and KF be integrated into concrete mixes to enhance split and flexural strength. The research establishes that the utilization of KF and SHA in producing environmentally sound green concrete is not only technically feasible but also aligns with ecological objectives.
Assessment of Mechanical Characteristics in Kenaf Bio-Fibrous Concrete Composites Incorporating Sorghum Husk Ash. GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
