Experimental investigation on no fines concrete by addition of natural fibres

Abstract

No fines concrete is a type of lightweight concrete that is made without the use of fine aggregates. In this experimental investigation, the effect of adding bamboo and sugarcane fibres on the mechanical properties of no fines concrete was studied. The specimens were prepared by replacing a portion of the coarse aggregates with 1.5% of bamboo and sugarcane fibres by volume. The specimens were tested for compressive strength and splitting tensile strength at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. The results showed that the addition of bamboo and sugarcane fibres improved the mechanical properties of no fines concrete. The optimal percentage of fibre content was found to be 1.5% by volume, which improved the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength by 23% and 18% respectively, compared to the control specimens. Additionally, the use o natural fibres in no-fine concrete can result in a more sustainable and eco-friendly construction material.