Influence of Natural Fiber on the Fresh and Hardened Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete

Abstract

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a flowing concrete mixture that can consolidate under its weight. The fresh and hardened properties of self-compacting concrete were determined upon the addition of different volume fractions of agricultural plant fibres. A preliminary test on the aggregates was done. The aggregates were mixed until a uniform consistency was attained. Different percentages of CN and RS fibres were added on the mix design and moulded in a cylindrical moulder. The concrete was dried for 48 hours and cured for 7 and 28 days. Filling ability was tested using slump flow and T500test. Passing ability was tested using J-ring while segregation resistance was tested using V-funnel and T5min. Hardened SCC with plant fibres was tested for its compressive strength. The slump flow results revealed that the SCC with 0.05% and 0.10 % CN fibres met the standard specification and guidelines.SCC with CN fibres added and RS with 0.05% and 0.10% had the acceptable passing ability. The results of V-funnel test of the negative control and the SCC with 0.05% and 0.10% CN fibres confirmed to the standard requirement. 0.05% of CN fibres and 0.10% RS fibres added had the most satisfactory result regarding compressive strength. This study proved that the addition of CN and RS fibres significantly affect the fresh properties of the SCC by decreasing the slump flow, increasing the passing ability and segregation resistance. Meanwhile, optimum compressive strength was established when 0.05% CN fibre and 0.10% RS fibre was added to SCC.