In the quest for sustainable construction materials, a groundbreaking study from the School of Civil Engineering has unveiled promising advancements in self-compacting concrete (SCC) reinforced with natural fibers. Led by S. Selesca Devi, the research explores the integration of abaca fiber (AF) and basalt fiber (BF) to enhance the mechanical properties of SCC, potentially revolutionizing the energy sector’s approach to building materials.
The study, published in the journal ‘Advances in Materials Science and Engineering’ (translated to English as ‘Advances in the Science of Materials and Engineering’), addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly building solutions. Devi and her team investigated the impact of mono and hybrid natural fibers on the fresh and mechanical properties of SCC, aiming to create more sustainable and cost-effective concrete without relying on mineral admixtures.
Abaca fiber, derived from the abaca plant, and basalt fiber, sourced from volcanic rock, were incorporated into SCC at varying dosages. The optimal dosage of abaca fiber was found to be 0.25%, which significantly improved compressive and tensile strength compared to conventional concrete and higher dosages of abaca fiber. “The 0.25% abaca fiber mix showed a remarkable increase in strength parameters, making it a viable option for enhancing SCC performance,” Devi noted.
Basalt fiber, on the other hand, demonstrated optimal performance at a dosage of 1.25%, providing robust strength across all tested parameters. The study also explored hybrid fiber mixes, combining the optimal dosages from mono fiber tests. The mix of 0.25% abaca fiber and 0.25% basalt fiber achieved the highest compressive strength and superior flowability. Additionally, the combination of 0.25% abaca fiber and 1.75% basalt fiber showed significant improvements in tensile, impact, and flexural strength, outperforming control concrete by substantial margins.
The findings suggest that abaca fiber-based SCC (A-SCC) and basalt fiber-based SCC (B-SCC) could offer enhanced strength properties, although they may require increased superplasticizer to meet flowability standards set by the European Federation of National Associations Representing for Specialist Construction Chemicals and Concrete Systems (EFNARC). “While the flowability challenge remains, the strength benefits of fiber-reinforced SCC are compelling,” Devi explained.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the industry seeks to reduce its carbon footprint and embrace sustainable practices, the development of eco-friendly concrete solutions becomes increasingly crucial. Fiber-reinforced SCC could lead to more durable and resilient structures, reducing maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of energy infrastructure. Moreover, the use of natural fibers aligns with the growing trend towards circular economy principles, where waste materials are repurposed to create valuable products.
This research opens the door to further innovations in construction materials. Future studies could explore the integration of other natural fibers and the optimization of fiber dosages to achieve even greater performance enhancements. Additionally, the development of new superplasticizers or flow enhancers could address the flowability challenges identified in the study, making fiber-reinforced SCC a more viable option for widespread adoption.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the insights gained from this research could shape the future of building materials, driving the energy sector towards a more sustainable and resilient future. The work of Devi and her team at the School of Civil Engineering represents a significant step forward in this journey, offering a glimpse into the potential of natural fiber-reinforced concrete to transform the industry.