Effect of Jute Fibre Reinforcement on Shear Strength of Concrete

Abstract

This research work examined the effect of jute fibre on the shear strength of concrete. Fibre volume fractions of 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% for grades 25, 30, 35 and 40 N/mm2 respectively were used. A total of 32 beams and 96 cubes were prepared. 16 beams and 48 cubes were cured at room temperature for 28 days, while the other 16 beams and 48 cubes were cured for 28 days and kept for a period of 6 months to be observed for durability with respect to strength after testing. All the beams were tested under three-point loading system with a shear span, av = 2.5d. The results of the compressive strength showed that concrete made with 0.5% jute fibre for 28 days and 6 months gave percentage increase in compressive strength by 12%, 12.5%, 9.7% and 10.1% for grades 25, 30, 35 and 40 N/mm2 respectively compared to the control samples. Percentage increase in shear strength were by 24.5%, 16.1%, 27.9% and 16.5% for concrete grades 25, 30, 35 and 40 N/mm2 respectively compared to the control samples. The addition of the fibre to the concrete slightly reduced the workability of the concrete and increased the crack resistance of concrete.