Improvement in the strength of concrete reinforced with agriculture fibers: Assessment on mechanical properties and microstructure analysis

Abstract

Concrete is weak in tension, causing brittle failure without warning. Fiber is one of the simplest techniques to increase tensile strain. Several kinds of fibers (synthetic) are available such as steel fiber, glass fiber, and carbon fiber. However, these fibers are expensive and cannot be easily accessible. Researchers use agricultural fiber in concrete instead of synthetic fibers to offset this deficiency. Although, several studies have shown that agricultural fiber may be utilized to increase concrete tensile strength. However, a details review is required which combines all relevant information and the reader can evaluate the benefits of agricultural fiber. Therefore, this review focus on a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the impact of agricultural fiber on concrete slump flow, mechanical quality, and durability. Furthermore, scanning electronic microscopy, enhancement methods, and agricultural fiber-reinforced concrete (AFRC) applications are also reviewed. Five different types of agricultural fiber including coconut, jute, banana, rice straw, and hemp fibers were selected. According to the findings, agricultural fiber increased concrete’s mechanical and durability qualities while comparably decreasing the slump. The optimum dose is essential as the higher dose adversely affects mechanical performance. The typical optimum amount varies from 1% to 2% by weight/volume of the binder. Among various types of agricultural fiber, coconut fiber is super performance. Less research is carried out on hemp, straw ash, and banana fibers than on coconut and jute fibers.