Assessment of self-compacting lightweight concrete: preparation of eco-friendly fiber content on mechanical and durable characteristics

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, a growing focus has been on creating eco-friendly concrete alternatives, garnering increased attention and support. Using natural fibers in the construction industry will minimize the exploitation of natural raw materials and promote sustainability in the construction industry. This work aims to investigate the influence of palmyra fruit mesocarp fiber (PFMF), Polyolefin fiber (PF), and glass fiber (GF) on the production of self-compacting concrete (SCC). The fiber content was used in three ratios, 1, 1.5, and 2%, as an alternative to fine aggregate. This research was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a preliminary investigation was carried out to find the maximum adding percentage of fiber content in the successful production of SCC. The mechanical characteristics (compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength) and durability (water absorption, Acid attack, and ultrasonic pulse velocity) were evaluated. The second phase incorporates the fresh characteristics (T500 and slump flow). Adding 1.5%(PFMF/PF/GF) with 10% SF in SCC significantly enhanced the mechanical and durability properties. The compressive, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength at 28 days increase to 4.30 MPa, 120 MPa, and 4.3 MPa compared to SCC. Scanning electronic microscopic (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to evaluate the microstructure of concrete samples. Overall, the incorporation of up to 1.5% as a replacement of fine aggregate in manufacturing fiber-blended SCC mixtures can be recommended.