EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BANANA FIBER REINFORCEMENT IN CONCRETE

Civil Engineering

This study investigates the potential use of banana fibers as a reinforcement material in concrete to improve its mechanical properties. Compressive and flexural tests were performed to determine the strength behavior of banana fiber reinforced concrete (BFRC) at various fiber contents (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) in the concrete mix. The results indicate that the addition of banana fibers significantly improves the concrete's strength properties, including its flexural and compressive strengths. Furthermore, the workability of the concrete mix with banana fibers was evaluated using L-Box and U-Box tests, and it was found that the incorporation of fibers did not significantly affect the workability of the mix. Therefore, the use of natural banana fibers in concrete can provide cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and recyclable construction solutions. Banana fibers, as a byproduct of the banana industry, offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic reinforcing materials. Their abundant availability makes them an attractive choice for enhancing concrete performance while reducing waste and reliance on non-renewable resources. The successful integration of banana fibers in concrete has the potential to facilitate the development of sustainable and durable construction materials. Based on the experimental results, it is recommended to incorporate banana fibers up to 1.5% by weight of the binder for maximum mechanical performance. Beyond this fiber content, there may be diminishing returns or potential challenges in achieving uniform fiber dispersion. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the use of natural fibers as reinforcement in concrete. It highlights the positive impact of banana fibers on concrete strength properties and emphasizes their potential as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution. Future studies could focus on investigating the long-term durability and performance of BFRC in different environmental conditions to ensure its suitability for practical applications. In conclusion, the utilization of banana fibers in concrete presents a promising opportunity to enhance mechanical properties while promoting sustainability in the construction industry. The findings underscore the feasibility and benefits of incorporating banana fibers in concrete mixtures, providing a pathway for the development of innovative and eco-friendly construction materials.

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