Mechanical properties of natural fiber concrete in the Mekong delta

Abstract

In this article, the author explored and researched the effects of popular natural fibers found in the Cuu Long River Delta, for example, coconut, straws, hyacinth fibers on the mechanical properties of concrete. Some experiments such as 4-point bending, testing for slump level were made to evaluate the compressive and tensile strength of M10 and M30 concrete. The results show that the effect of these natural fibers on the concrete is dependent on the amount and the treatment of each type of fiber. For M10 type concrete, coconut fibers increased both tensile and compressive strength when compared to the control group; when adding 4% of coconut fiber to the concrete mixture, the compressive strength increased by 50%; while a 6% mixture saw a maximum increase of 105% in compressive strength. For M30 type concrete, the added fibers decrease the compressive strength while increasing tensile strength compared to the control group; the preferred amount would be around 2-4%. However, coconut fibers were found to be better than straws and hyacinth fibers.