INFLUENCE OF CELLULOSE FIBER FROM BANANA PSEUDO-STEM ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH STRNGTH CONCRETES

Abstract

This paper study investigates the influence of cellulose fibers from banana pseudo-stems (CFB) on the mechanical properties of high strength concrete. Cellulose fibers from banana pseudo-stems were pretreated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution at concentrations of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% (w/v) to inspect and evaluate fiber properties, including tensile strength and water retention value. The study found that pretreating CFB fibers with a 2% sodium hydroxide solution yielded the highest tensile strength and water retention values. Therefore, CFB fibers pretreated with NaOH at a concentration of 2% (w/v) were chosen for use as a mixture in high strength concrete at proportions of 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60 and 0.75% by weight of cement. The study aimed to determine the mechanical properties, including compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, and splitting tensile strength. The results indicated that high strength concrete reinforced with CFB at 0.15% exhibited the highest compressive and splitting tensile strengths at 2.82% and 15 MPa, respectively. The flexural tensile strength was achieved using a 0.3% fiber proportion, with a value of 9.84 MPa. This study demonstrates the preparation of CFB fibers and determines appropriate proportions to enhance the mechanical properties of high strength concrete, thereby supporting the use of agricultural waste materials for sustainability in the development of high strength concrete and construction materials in the future.