Investigation Into The Suitability Of Kenaf Fiber To Produce Structural Concrete

Abstract

This paper investigates of an experimental research that was conducted to study the effect of natural kenaf fiber on concrete production which implements in the sustainable construction industry as a low-cost material. Concrete produced with kenaf fiber reinforced concrete (KFRC) with fiber volume contents are increasing 0%, 1%, 3% and 5% in the mix proportions. The concrete fresh properties consisting slump and density are determined in the laboratory. The compressive strength, compacting factor test, modulus of rupture, surface strength, and direct shear test of KFRC specimens are investigated and compared to the properties of conventional concrete specimens. A total number of 36 concrete cubes with the size of 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm were tested for compressive strength, 36 Concrete beams with the size of 100 mm x 100 mm x 350 mm were tested for flexural strength, and also 36 concrete small beams with the size of 100 mm x 100 mm x 350 mm were tested for direct shear test. All of the specimens were cured for 7, 14 and 28 days before testing. The experimental results indicate that the mechanical and fresh properties of KFRC are decreased then the conventional concrete specimens with the increased of kenaf fiber content. It is also observed that the additions of fiber decreased the ultimate load of the concrete for compressive strength, modulus of rupture and direct shear test. However, kenaf fiber concrete enhanced more toughness and ductility behaviour compared with the conventional concrete. Finally, it concluded that kenaf fiber is a suitable material that could potentially be used to produce low-cost ‘green’ concrete which has higher toughness and reduce the cracking propagation in the concrete structural applications.