THE STRUCTURAL PERFORMANCE OF RC BEAM STRENGTHENED

WITH COCONUT NATURAL FIBER

By

Mazin Hashim Hassan

Bachelor of Civil Engineering

INFRASTRUCTURE UNIVERSITY KUALA LUMPUR (IUKL)

JUNE 2016

i
 ABSTRACT

Natural fiber has deferent types and forms that are extracted from wide variety plants, such as Kenaf,

bamboo, coconut, etc.., thats are naturally growing in Malaysia for years, Natural fiber huge

environmental advantages, agricultural flexibility and weight along with its environmental and

sustainability advantages makes it a good candidate for use in structural materials. The goal of this

study is to determine the adequate percent of plasticizer that needs to be added to the concrete mix to

overcome Natural fiber high water absorption rate problem. Also study the possibility of enhancing a

concrete beam with less reinforcement using the Coconut Natural fiber and yet maintain the same load

resistance. testing, 18 cube and 3 beams enhanced with Natural fiber. The compressive Strength Test

results recorded the higher increase on the cubes compressive strength with the 4% addition of

plasticizer, but the fiber reduced the overall compressive strength by 39.3% in comparison with the

control sample. Due to the addition of the fiber based on the total weight of the concrete mix instead

of volume. The beams were loaded to failure in 4-point bending test with LVDT linear sensor to

characterize strength and deflection. The Natural fiber beams hold a fairly more load (varying 8%)

than the control sample for a relatively large deflection (up to 13 mm). A linear-elastic analytical chart

was produced to describe the behavior of the Natural fiber beams. The use of Natural fiber will

improve and maintain the strength of the RC beam while using 33% less reinforcement which can

lead to a huge reduction in the building cost. This preliminary study laid the groundwork for future

development of Natural fiber as future enhancement for the structural elements. Some suggestions for

future investigation are discussed at the conclusion of this thesis.

ii
 ABSTRAK

Serabut asli mempunyai jenis da bentuk yang berlainen agabila dikeluarkan dari tumbuh-tumbuhan

kepelbagaian yang luas, seperti Kenaf, buluh, kelapa , dan lain-lain.., mereke tumbuh secara semula

jadi sejah bertahun-tahun lamenya. Kadav kandungan serat yang banyak, sesuai untuk aktiviti

pertanian meajadiken ianya sesuai untuk dijadikan bahan kejian dalam struktar bahen. Tujuan kajian

ini adalah untuk menentukan peratus yang sesuai untuhplasticizer yang perlu untuk ditambah kepada

campuran konkrit mengatasi serat Natural masalah kadar penyerapan air tinggi dalam serat semulajadi

Juga mengkaji kemungkinan mempertingkatkan kekuatan konkrit dengan peugurangan tetulang

menggunakan serat semulajadi tetapi masih mengekalkan rintangan muatan sama. subanyak, 18 buah

koukrit kiub dan 3 rasuk telah dihasilkan. Keputusan-keputusan Strength Test mampat mencatat

meningkat lebih tinggi di kekuatan mampatan kiub dengan tambahan 4% pemplastikan, tetapi serat

mengurangkan kekuatan mampatan keseluruhan sebanyak 39.3% dalam perbandingan dengan sampel

kawalan. Rasuk dimuatkan deugan belecn dalam ujian lentur 4 titik dengan LVDT penderia linear

untuk meuentuken kekuatan dan pesongan. Satu carta analisis anjal linear dihasilkan untuk

meneutuken sift rasuk menggunaken conpuran serat. Penggunaan serat sewulajadi akan meningkatkan

sewulajadi kekuatan alur RC semasa menggunakan 33% tetulang boleh menjurus satu pungurangar

yang sangat besar dalam kos pembinaan. Kajian permulaan ini meletakkan persediaan asas untuk

pembangunan masa depan serat sewlajadi sebagai bahen tambah untuk unsur struktur. Pada masa

hadapan

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the people that supported me on the way to this

thesis. First, I want to thank Miss Nik Nuraini Azhari for providing me with the opportunity to work

with her and supervising this thesis. And to my Co-supervisor Mr. Mohd Nizam Shakimon there wise

counsel, insightful criticism, patient encouragement, and lighthearted spirit have made this experience

very educational and enjoyable. Working at this research has both extended and sharpened my view

on in Civil engineering in a way I did not expect. Last but not least I want to thank my family and

friends for their support during my entire education and especially this thesis project.

iv
 APPROVAL

This research entitled The Performance of RC Beam Strengthened with Natural Fiber is prepared and

submitted by Mazin Hashim Hassan, 132911140 as partial Fulfillment of the requirement for bachelor

of Civil Engineering (HONS), Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL).

APPROVED By:

.. Date.

Supervisor

v
 DECLARATION BY THE CANDIDATE

I Mazin Hashim Hassan confirm that the work in this thesis is my own work and the appropriate credit

has been given where references have been made to the work of other researchers.

(..)

Student Name: Mazin Hashim Hassan

Student ID : 132911140

Date : 29/9/2016

vi
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
ABSTRACT ii
ABSTRAK ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv
APPROVAL v
DECLARATION BY THE CANDIDATE vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS vii
LIST OF TABLES ixx
LIST OF FIGURES x

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 GENERAL 1
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 2
1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 3
1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY 3
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY 4
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 5
2.1 INTRODUCTION 5
2.2 FIBERS CLASSIFICATION 5
2.3 NATURAL FIBERS 7
2.3.1 NATURAL FIBER COMPOSITES 7
2.4 THE PROPERTIES OF NATURAL/PLANT FIBERS 8
2.5 AGGREGATE SIZE AND VOLUME 9
2.6 NATURAL FIBERS COST 9
2.7 FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE 10
2.7.1 THE FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE BEHAVIOR 11
2.8 FACTORS THAT AFFECT FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE 11
2.9 SUITABILITY OF NATURAL FIBER TO PRODUCE
........................STRUCTURAL CONCRETE 12
2.10 CONCLUSION 13
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY 14
3.1 INTRODUCTION 14
3.2 PREPARATION OF MATERIALS 16
3.2.1 CEMENT AND WATER 16
3.2.2 AGGREGATE 16
3.2.3 NATURAL FIBER 16
3.3 PREPARATION OF CONCRETE MIX 17
3.3.1 QUANTITY OF CONCRETE REQUIRED FOR THE
...../CUBES 17
3.3.2 METHOD OF MIXING THE CONCRETE AND
......NATURAL FIBER 17
3.3.3 PREPARATION OF FORMWORK 17

vii
 3.3.4 AMOUNT OF PLASTICIZER AND CURING DAYS OF
...THE SPECIMENS 18
3.4 TEST METHODS FOR CONCRETE 18
3.4.1 SLUMP TEST 18
3.4.2 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST 19
3.5 DESIGN AND TESTING METHODS FOR BEAM 19
3.5.1 QUANTITY OF CONCRETE REQUIRED FOR THE 3
...BEAMS 20
3.5.2 STEEL BAR REINFORCEMENTS 20
3.5.3 FLEXURAL STRENGTH TEST 20
3.6 WORK SCHEDULE 21
3.7 CONCLUSION 22
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 23
4.1 INTRODUCTION 23
4.2 SLUMP TEST 24
4.3 THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST RESULTS 26
4.4 FLEXURAL STRENGTH TEST RESULTS 31
4.5 CONCLUSION 33
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 34
5.1 CONCLUSION 34
5.2 RECOMMENDATION 35
REFERENCES 36
APPENDIX 36
THE USED CONCRETE MIX DESIGN 38
SECTIONS USED FROM THE BS 1881 41
REFERENCES

viii
 LIST OF TABLES

Descriptions Page

Table 2.1 Comparison between fiber prices (Anhui Elite Industrial Co.,Ltd ) 10

Table 3.2 Compression Test Cubes Specimens 18

Table 3.3 Gantt Chart to Estimate the Duration of the Research 21

Table 4.1 The Definition of each sample ID 23

Table 4.2 Summary of the Specimens fabrication details 24

Table 4.3 Reduction of each concrete mixes 26

Table 4.5 Compressive Test Results for the fully Cured Samples 26

Table 4.6 The specification of the Specimens 31

ix
 LIST OF FIGURES

Descriptions Page

Figure 2.1 Classification of Fiber (Naimur,2014) 6

Figure 2.2 Life cycle of bio-composites 8

Figure 2.3 The fiber distribution according to aggregate size (Edgington ,1978) 9

Figure 2.4 KFRC with 1%, 3%, and 5% maximum load & deflection capability 12

Figure 3.1 Flow Chart 15

Figure 3.2 The compressive strength machine 19

Figure 3.3 Flexural strength test 20

Figure 4.2 The Controls sample average result 27

Figure 4.3 NFRC 1 samples average result 27

Figure 4.4 NFRC 2 samples average result 28

Figure 4.5 Compressive Test Results 28

Figure 4.6 Honeycomb defects on the NFRC cube 29

Figure 4.7 Satisfactory failures according to BS 1881 30

Figure 4.8 The failures recorded on the samples 30

Figure 4.9 The Load Vs Deflection on Beams 31

x
Figure 4.10 The 4-Point 32

Figure 4.11 The LVDT on the 32

Figure A1 The Results on the compressive strength machine 39

Figure A2 The reinforcement before casting 39

Figure A3 The Cracking Failure on the beam after the 4-point test 39

Figure A4 The NFRC mix based on weight 40

Figure A5 The Flexural Strength & LVDT Testing and Recording 40

xi
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 General

Concrete is the main material in construction due to its unique characteristics like very high

compressive strength, durability workability and long life span/age (Andrew,2014). However,

concrete is not the perfect material. Concrete has a relatively low tensile strength which is solved by

reinforcing the concrete structure with steel or timber. Timber acquire low strength and can easily

decay by insects attacks which made it unsubtle for large construction work. On the other hand, steel

has satisfying characteristics as reinforcement material with high tensile resistance strength, but its

can easily corrode especially if utilized for outdoor applications. Also high cost needs to be taking in

consider as one of the main downsides of steel as reinforcement.

Natural fiber is extracted from plants, such as Kenaf, bamboo, coconut there many types of Natural

fiber that are extracted from plants thats are naturally grows in Malaysia for years, Natural fiber has

attracted attention recently due to its environmental advantages and agricultural flexibility. This thesis

studies the possibilities of employing the Natural fiber as strengthen material. As this material provide

interesting enhancement solutions for existing structures. Natural fiber reinforcement is superior to

other reinforcement solutions in terms of the weight ratio, cost, handling, sustainability and local

availability in Malaysia.

1
Recant researches indicate that the addition of Natural fiber enhances the concrete properties, bending

resistance and Cause a significant reduction of the cracks. Moreover, it increases the compressive

strength of the concrete if the Natural fiber combined with the right composite. A composite can be a

mix of materials of a several components to produce specific properties (Alam, S,2011).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The Portland cement (OPC) concrete is brittle which made it one of the main problem of the concrete.

This will cause a very low tensile strength in cement due to the poor tensile strength of the concrete.

The micro-cracks can be initiated and spared inside the concrete structure the cracks develop in the

structure before the load is even applied due the shrinkage resulted from the concrete drying process.

When the load is applied the micro cracks spirited inside the concrete structure and enlarge forming

additional cracks. Which is one of the main causes of deformation in concrete leading to large fractions

of concrete leading to the failure of the hole structural.

The addition of Natural fibers improve strength, reduce shrinkage by imprisoning the spreading of the

cracks. The improvement of steel as reinforcement last years solved the problem of low tensile

strength of the concrete. But that doesnt overcome the micro cracks problem because of the drying

process caused by weathering. This lead to various studies and researches for methods to adopt fibers

as strengthen enhancement for reinforcement concrete (Vajje, S,2013).

Even though using Natural fiber as enhancement might will reduce the shrinkage it has some

downsides as its proven adding Natural fiber will increase the water absorption rate and decrease the

2
workability of the mix. Moreover, adding large amounts of the Natural fiber to the mix can decrease

the reinforcement compressive strength (Morel, J.-C.,2015).

1.3 Research Objectives

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the performance of RC beam strengthens with Natural fiber. To

achieve this, aim the following objectives are selected:

a) To determine the adequate percent of plasticizer that needs to be added to the concrete mix to

overcome Natural fiber water absorption problem.

b) To determine the strength of RC beam strengthened with Natural fiber.

c) To compare the load resistance of normal concrete beam with a concrete beam has less

reinforcement but enhanced with Natural fiber

1.4 Scope of Study

The percent of Natural fiber that will be used on the mix is 1% based on the total weight and 0.5%

based on the volume. The amount of plasticizer Dosages is around 2% - 4% by weight of cement. The

compression test will be applied to a total of 18 cubes: 6 cubes as control samples,6 cubes strengthened

with Natural fiber and with plasticizer dosages of 2% and 6 cubes strengthened with Natural fiber and

with plasticizer dosages of 4%. For each one of the categories above 3 cubes will be tested after 7

days and 3 cubes after 28 days.

The 4-point test will be applied to 3 beams. The first beam is a control sample and the second and the

third beams are strengthened with Natural fiber one based on the total weight the other based on

3
volume and with plasticizer addition. The concrete mix design will be according to Department of

Environment (DoE) method and the 4-point test will be according to BS standard.

1.5 Significance of Study

This thesis studies the possibility of increasing the strength of the Natural fiber reinforced concrete

(NFRC) and overcome the high-water absorption rate by soaking the Natural fiber in water for certain

amount of days and adding plasticizer to the mix.

Also studies possibilities of employing the Natural fiber as strengthening material to produce a beam

with less cost, higher compressive strength, higher deflection resistance, and reduced plastic

shrinkage.

4
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

The idea of using fiber as reinforcing material is quite old but integrating the fiber with the building

structures as strengthen material gain the attention of the researchers recently. In the construction

field, the use of petroleum and steel based fiber is very common on light weight concrete, foamed

concrete, mortal and building blocks. On the other hand, the use of natural fibers in the construction

area is not that common in Malaysia. Recently researches started to rapidly expand the use of the

natural fibers components in the construction industry. Also mass production industries started to gain

interest on natural fibers considering that its a sustainable and renewable materials. This new

expanding area of studies shaped a wide variety of new usages of the natural fibers composites in

order to improve, enhancing or even replace some of the most currently used engineering applications.

The result of this can be overwhelmingly positive in term of manufacturing costs and almost no

negative impact on the environment if right replantation methods where put in use (James,1985).

2.2 Fibers Classification

The fiber has a wide variety of usage as an industrial material. Consequently, the types, identification

and the classification of the new fibers types were an essential requirement. Fiber is classified into

5
two main groups natural fiber and a man-made fiber and each one of the groups have different classes

and sub-classes as indicated in Figure 2.1.

Figure 2.1 Classification of Fiber (Saba, N,2015)

The natural fiber which is extracted from natural sources like minerals, plants or animals. Also, the

natural fiber is classified according to the nature of the extraction source. An animal fiber as the name

indicates its any fiber extracted from animals like fur, silk, hair, feathers, or wool. The animal fibers

are commonly used in mass productions around the world, but its not very usual to be used in

construction. Vegetable fibers extracted from vegetable like flax, cotton, bagasse, and sisal this type

of fibers is commonly used in clothing. Man-made fiber its chemical manufactured fiber or extracted

from non-organic materials and the characteristics of the fiber can be easily modified during the

production period. Man-made fiber can contain restorative fibers and artificial fibers. The synthetic

fibers or artificial fibers is a chemically manufactured fiber from petrochemicals and it doesnt contain

6
any botanical. Cellulose Fibers its rayon manufactured from esters of cellulose fiber which is primary

extracted from the plants wood and leaves (Naimur,2014).

2.3 Natural Fibers

The source of the natural fibers whether it is obtained from plants, minerals, or animals, is what based

on it will be classified. Plant fibers are the commonly consumed natural fibers in the construction

field. Plant fibers consist of fibrilla/phloem fibers like the grain, fruit, cereal straw and herb fibers.

The structure and chemical synthesis of plant fibers is quite complicated, but the final result relatively

low density compared with man-made fibers and less cost. Moreover, its recyclable, which make it

an excellent replacement of glass fibers (Bharath, 2015).

2.3.1 Natural Fiber Composites

The attention towards natural fiber increased lately. Production/processing/use/disposal is the life

cycle of the natural fibers. The natural fibers are non-toxic so its provide a chance for developing

composites with significantly lesser human health hazards and environmental damage. In Fig. 2.2 The

life of fiber cycle is illustrated, natural fiber composites started to get integrated into a lots of

applications presenting a lot of advantages in comparison to the artificial fibers. Starting with the

dramatical reduction on cost, tools requirements, to the distinguish physical probabilities such as low

density and higher specific strength, and not forgetting that its naturally occurring. Taking all this in

consideration make the natural fiber more desirable addition to many composites. There are too many

types of natural/plant fibers such as Kenaf fiber or hemp, sisal or flax fibers are among the most

commonly used fibers (Saba, N,2015).

7
 Figure 2.2 Life cycle of bio-composites (Saba, N,2015).

2.4 The Properties of Natural/Plant Fibers

One of the main problems of the un-natural fibers is that its abrasive towards blending equipment.

On the other hand, the natural/plant fibers are completely safe on the blending and molding equipment

which reduce the cost of maintenance significantly. Also, the natural/plant fibers are not a hazardous

material in term of handling which create relatively safer working conditions Comparing with other

types of fiber like glass fiber. Also taking in consideration that theres almost no negative impact of

natural/plant fibers on the environment as It's obtained from renewable resources.

Plant fibers are not the perfect substance as it has some drawbacks keep it from becoming the

substitutional of the customary man-mad reinforcing fibers. The nonuniformity, an assortment of

8
dimensions and its mechanical properties. Therefore, it is one of the main requirement to find a valid

solution to overcome this drawback either with physical or chemical solutions (Chauhan A,2013).

2.5 Aggregate Size and Volume

The interaction between aggregate and fiber is mainly influenced by the size of aggregate as the large

coarse aggregate can affect the fiber distribution. When the aggregate volume and size increase the

interaction will increase as in Figure 2.3. The time of the compaction ratio l/d of composites is

hundred, and its mainly affected by the volume of the aggregate and its size (Edgington,1978).

Figure 2.3 The fiber distribution according to aggregate size

(Edgington ,1978)

2.6 Natural Fibers Cost

Natural fiber has wide variety of growth rates from 3 months to several years and it's able to grow in

various location around the globe and under different of weather conditions. One of the features of

Natural fiber that it is cheap, priced is around US $25 per metric ton Table 2.1 show a comparison

between Natural fiber cost and other types of industrial fibers.

9
 Table 2.1 Comparison between fiber prices (Anhui Elite Industrial Co.,Ltd )

Type of fiber Cost in USD for 1kg

Natural fiber 0.2
E-Glass fiber 1
Steel fiber 1.30
Carbon fiber 0.7
Polymer fiber 1.7

In term of energy consumption, it consumes way less energy to produce than artificial fiber. For

example, to produce 1kg of Natural fiber, it needs around 15 mega-joules, on the other hand, the

production of 1kg of glass fiber require 54 mega-joules (Nishino T, 2004). The growth length, light-

sensitivity, date of seeding and Natural species. All these factors can influence the composition of the

extracted fiber (Ayerza R,1996).

2.7 Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Cement, fiber, and aggregate are the main component of any fiber reinforced concrete structure. The

main objective of mixing fiber with concrete is to overcome some of the plain concrete flaws like the

brittleness of the cement moreover, increase the low strain capacity, and the tensile strength of the

concrete structure. Also, one of the major advantages of adding fiber to a concrete mix is the fiber

ability to prevent the cracking development and spreading.

The fiber reinforced concrete has the ability of to carry massive stresses on large strain capability

before cracking stage, but that depend on the fiber bonding with the material. The fiber becomes

superior when it come to the toughness of the concrete structure. Toughness the amount of force that

10
the material can carry before it fracturing. As fiber dramatically increase the flexural toughness of the

concrete mix (Chanh N,2004).

2.7.1 The Fiber Reinforced Concrete Behavior

The main aim and objective of the fiber composite are to improve the tensile strength and the flexural

toughness of the concrete mix. Moreover, to prevent the micro cracks development. The behavior of

the fiber reinforced concrete is heavily affected by the fiber type. The strength, geometry, aspect ratio

length, and the orientation of the fiber all are factors of influential of composite behavior. The more

strength the concrete has the more brittle it become. On the other hand, the concrete composite will

gain more elasticity if the fiber is added to the mix (Vajje, S, 2013).

2.8 Factors That Affect Fiber Reinforced Concrete

The water/cement ratio, orientation, aspect ratio, nominal diameter, the amount of fiber on the mix,

the type, quantity and the size of aggregate, and the fiber orientation, all of these consider as factors

that can affect the fiber reinforced concrete properties. Also, the random distribution of the fiber on

the concrete mix will decrease the fiber reinforced concrete efficiency

By adding the fiber to the concrete mix, the reinforced concrete will be able to overcome the drying

shrinkage and the plastic shrinkage problem. But on the other hand, the fiber can affect the workability

due to the increment of the surface area. The fibers can also negatively impact the strength of the

concrete mix if it been added with large quantity due to the porosity increment (Vajje, S, 2013).

11
2.9 Suitability of Natural Fiber to Produce Structural Concrete

Too many studies take the interest on Natural fiber as possible sustainable contraction material due to

its low-cost, characteristics, and properties. An investigation tested a 36 Kenaf fiber reinforced

concrete cubes with 150 mm dimensions and 36 KFRC beams with 350 mm length and 100 mm high

and width. The specimens tested with different amount of Kenaf fiber. Some samples with 1% another

sample with 3% and 5%. The surface strength, modulus of rupture, and the direct shear, flexural

strength tests were carried on the Kenaf fiber reinforced specimens and control samples specimens

and compared with each other. The results on Figure 2.5, were very positive as it appeared that Kenaf

fiber improved the toughness.

Also, it's been found that the Natural fiber when mixed with the concrete increases the water

absorption rate. As conclusion per the results here the Natural fiber is absolutely suitable as concrete

enhancement material (Hasan, N,2015).

Figure 2.4 KFRC with 1%, 3%, and 5% maximum load & deflection capability
12
2.10 Conclusion

All evidence indicate that Natural fiber reinforced composites can be used as strengthening materials

for RC beams, Natural fiber enhances the flexural toughness and the impact resistance, finally Natural

fiber increase the water absorption rate.

13
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This study investigates the effect of adding Natural fiber to a reinforced beam and its flexural behavior.

A normal control sample beam is made to compare its flexural behavior with reinforced concrete beam

straightened with Natural fiber. Consequently, this chapter provides the methods used to achieve the

researchs objective. Flow Chart illustration in Figure 3.1. The research will study how well the

Natural fibers will improve the flexural strength of the beam and the adequate percent of plasticizer

that needs to be added to the concrete mix to overcome Natural fiber water absorption problem.

Laboratory testing is carried out in this research to prove that all the theory discussed in chapter 2. In

this study, three beams with 150 mm width, 150 mm height, and 750 mm length will be cast and

prepared for testing. The first beam is made of plain concrete with steel bar reinforcement, which acts

as control beam. The seconds beam will contain 1% percent Natural fibers of the total mix weight and

the steel reinforcement will be same. The third beam will contain 0.5% percent Natural fibers of the

total mix volume and the steel reinforcement will be reduced 30%.

14
Figure 3.1 Flow Chart

15
3.2 Preparation of Materials

Raw materials used in this research include cement, fine aggregate (sand), coarse aggregate, Natural

fiber, and steel bar reinforcements. Concrete strength used in this study was grade 45.

3.2.1 Cement and Water

The used cement in this research is Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). This cement is conforming to

BS EN 197-1:2000. The chemical compositions of OPC are oxides of calcium, silicon, aluminum,

iron and others. The quantity of water required is depends on the results from normal consistency

cement paste test.

3.2.2 Aggregate

Fine aggregate or sand used is crushed type with 55% pass through 600 m Sieve, while coarse

aggregate used was also crushed with the maximum diameter size of 10mm. Both fine aggregate and

coarse aggregate are provided in the advance materials lab.

3.2.3 Natural Fiber

The Natural Fiber is will be obtained from Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development

Institute (MARDI). The Natural Fiber will be cleaned from non-fibrous materials by soaking it in

water for 7-12 days. The next step is spreading the Natural Fiber to be dried in the sun for 2-3 days.

After that the Fiber is ready to be used in the concrete mix.

16
3.3 Preparation of Concrete Mix

The mix design is the process to select the most suitable ingredients of concrete and determining their

relatively quantities to achieve the desired strength. In this study, the concrete proportioning was

designed based on the Department of Environment (DOE) method for the 18 cubes and the 2 beams.

3.3.1 Quantity of Concrete Required for the Cubes

Cube size = (150 x 150 x 150) mm= 0.00338 m

There are 18 cubes, so the total volume of concrete required

= (18 x 0.00338) + 25% contingencies - 10% Natural Fiber

= 0.06997 m

3.3.2 Method of Mixing the Concrete and Natural Fiber

Concrete mixing process for NFRC needs to be done carefully to ensure the fibers will be distributed

uniformly in the concrete matrix. Fibers are added to the mix at the final stage, after all, the ingredients

are weighed and mixed dry in electric concrete miller for 2 minutes after the entire ingredients already

being mixed well then the fibers are spread into the miller while mixing and after 2 more minutes, the

particular water is added and mixed thoroughly.

3.3.3 Preparation of Formwork

17
Since standard steel mould for specimens has been provided, the only preparation is a layer of oil

applies to the surface of the formwork one day before casting the beam. All the beams were cast in a

steel mould.

3.3.4 Amount of Plasticizer and Curing Days of the Specimens

A total of 18 cubes will be used on compression test to determine the maximum load capability of

NFRC. 6 cubes will be control samples, 6 cubes will be strengthened with Natural fiber and with

plasticizer dosages of 2%. Another 6 cubes will be strengthened with Natural fiber and with plasticizer

dosages of 4%. For each one of the categories above 3 cubes will be tested after 7 days and 3 cubes

after 28 days as per Table 3.2.

Table 3.2: Compression Test Cubes Specimens

Name of the Amount of Natural Fiber Plasticizer Curing

Specimens Cubes Percentage Percentage Days
Control Sample 3 0% 0%
NFRC 1A 3 1% 2% 7
NFRC 1B 3 1% 4%
Control Sample 3 0% 0%
NFRC 2A 3 1% 2% 28
NFRC 2B 3 1% 4%

3.4 Test Methods for Concrete

Several testing will take place on the NFRC mix, sieve analysis, Slump test, compressive strength test

will be carried on 18 cubes with 2 different amount of plasticizer and 2 duration of curing days.

3.4.1 Slump Test

18
Slump test will be conducted according to BS 1881:102 methods. A sample of NFRC is placed and

compacted by rod in three layers. Every layer was compacted 25 strokes. The distance between the

original and displaced position of the top surface of the concrete is measured as a slump.

3.4.2 Compressive Strength Test

The compressive strength test performed on 18 cubes with dimension of 150x150x150mm. The test

will be performed two times. Which are one times with 9 cubes cured for 7 days and another time

after 28 days. The compressive strength machine as shown in Figure 3.2 applies a compressive force

on the cubes until it reaches a failure point. Then the maximum compressive strength the cube can

take will be recorded.

Figure 3.2 The compressive strength machine

3.5 Design and Testing Methods for Beam

In this research 3 NFRC beams will be produced one is control sample, the two-other beam will be

straightened with Natural fiber one is based on the volume and will be 0.5 % of the total volume and

the second will be based on the total weight and will be 1% of the total weight, and the adequate

percent of plasticizer concluded from the compressive strength test. The 2 NFRC beams steel

19
reinforcement design in this research is based on the British Standard, structural use of concrete (BS

8110). The beams dimension is 150 mm width, 150 mm height, and 750 mm length.

3.5.1 Quantity of Concrete Required for the 3 Beams

beam size = (150 x 150 x 750) mm= 0.01688 m

There are 18 cubes, so the total volume of concrete required

= (2 x 0.01688) + 25% contingencies 10% Natural Fiber

= 0.03882 m per beam

3.5.2 Steel Bar Reinforcements

The size of main reinforcement used in the concrete beam is 12 mm in diameter, while link

reinforcement is hot rolled mild steel with 6 mm diameter arranged at 150 mm center to center. The

nominal concrete cover is 11mm because of the limitation of available clear spacing.

3.5.3 Flexural Strength Test

Flexural strength test is (4-Point test) conducted according to BS1881:118, after 28 days on 3 beams

using Magnus frame test rig. Hydraulic jack placed at the center acting as a force while the beam is

supported at each end as per Figure 3.3. Also a Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDT)

sensor will be installed on the center of the beam to Measure the the deflection when the load is

applied. The results will be recorded by the load cell and the transducer. The load cell is an electronic

equipment which able to read the applied load. The transducer is a component used to measure the

deflection of the beam.

20
 Figure 3.3 Flexural strength test
3.6 Work Schedule

Table 3.3: Gantt Chart estimate the duration of the research

WEEKS
Thesis 1 Thesis 2
ACTIVITY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Introduction
Literature
Review
Methodology
Finalizing
Thesis 1
Presenting
Findings
purchasing the
materials
Preparation of
Concrete Mix
Cast the Cubes
and The Beams
Curing Period
Compressive
Strength Test
Flexural
Strength Test
Results and
Data Analysis
Finalizing The
Research
Presenting
Findings

21
3.7 Conclusion

By the end of this chapter, the difference between the control samples and the NFRC specimens can

determine whiter the addition of the Natural fiber can increase the concrete mix compressive strength

or reduce it. Also, will provide the maximum load that the NFRC can hold before reaching failure

point and compare it to the control sample to determine the improvements that the Natural fiber can

add to the concrete mix.

22
 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Introduction

The Natural fiber composite used is coconuts fiber due to its availability at the time of testing. Three

beams of NFRC and 18 cubes were fabricated and tested. Tests were intended to serve as a proof-of-

concept for using the plasticizer as a solution for the high water absorption rate. Beams from all three

kinds were approximately (150 mm. x 150 mm. x 750 mm.), and the cubes were approximately

(150mm. x 150mm. x 150mm.). On the 18 cubes the addition off the NFRC was based on weight. For

the beams, one was based on volume and the other was based on the weight.

Table 4.1: The Definition of each sample ID

ID Definition
CS Control Sample
Natural fiber concrete mix with 1% additional of natural fiber and 2% additional
NFRC A
Plasticizer based on weight
Natural fiber concrete mix with 1% additional of natural fiber and 4% additional
NFRC B
Plasticizer based on weight
Natural fiber reinforced concrete mix 0.5 % additional of natural fiber based on
NFRC V
Volume and 4% additional Plasticizer based on weight
Natural fiber reinforced concrete mix 1% additional of natural fiber and 4%
NFRC W
additional Plasticizer based on weight

The testing on the cube will serve as a trial & error concept to determine the optimum amount of

Plasticizer that should be used on the 2 NFRC Beams and it will also help determining the impact

resulting from adding 1% of Natural fiber to the mix based in weight instead of volume.

23
 Table 4.2: Summary of the Specimens fabrication details

Type of Identification
Natural Fiber Plasticizer Curing
the of the Quantity
Percentage Percentage Days
Specimens Specimens
CS 3 0% 0%
NFRC 1A 3 1% 2% 7
NFRC 1B 3 1% 4%
Cubes
CS 3 0% 0%
NFRC 2A 3 1% 2%
NFRC 2B 3 1% 4%
28
CS 1 0% based on weight 0%
Beams NFRC V 1 0.5% based on volume 4%
NFRC W 1 1% based on weight 4%

4.2 Slump Test

According to BS 1881 when the concrete mix collapses completely it is conceder as a collapse slump

but when the top portion of the concrete shears off and slips sideways it is a shear slump. the true

slump when the concrete simply keeps it shape with minimum damage. The test is done on wet

concrete to measure the workability of the mix; the results was a shear slump and true slump with a

total reduction of 20mm to 100 mm of the total height from the testing cone based on the conducted

experiments as shown in Table 4.3.

Table 4.3 Reduction of each concrete mixes

Type of the concrete mix Decrease in Height (mm) Type of the slump
Normal Concrete mix 100 Shear Slump
Natural Fiber Concrete mix
20 True Slump
(based on total weight)
Natural Fiber Concrete mix
60 Shear Slump
(based on total volume)

24
From The results it been found that the Normal Concrete mix and Natural fiber concrete mix that are

based on total volume have medium workability which is excellent for the normal reinforced concrete.

The Natural fiber concrete mix that are based on total weight. As the NFRC W is true slump which

indicate that the workability of this mix is very low. the low workability mix is not good for the

experiment as it may result on internal voids and honeycomb defects.

Figure 4.1 During Slump Test

25
4.3 The Compressive Strength Test Results

The compressive testing was conducted in 2 phase one after 7 days on fresh concert. Then, the second

phase of testing after 28 days fully cured concrete and the results turn out as following:

Table 4.4 Compressive Test Results for the Fresh

Samples
Wight of Failure Average
Identification of Age Area Compressive
Cube load Compressive
the Specimens (days) (2) Strength (MPa)
(kg) (kN) Strength (MPa)
CS 1 7 7.78 350.3 150x150 15.57
CS 2 7 7.72 486.0 150x150 21.6 20.53
CS 3 7 7.66 549.2 150x150 24.41
NFRC 1A1 7 7.2 354.2 150x150 15.74
NFRC 1A2 7 7.14 201.0 150x150 8.93 12.5
NFRC 1A2 7 6.94 288.7 150x150 12.83
NFRC 1B1 7 7.24 284.4 150x150 12.64
NFRC 1B2 7 7.30 302.2 150x150 13.43 13.21
NFRC 1B3 7 7.32 305.2 150x150 13.56

Table 4.5 Compressive Test Results for the fully Cured

Samples
Wight of Failure Average
Identification of Age Area Compressive
Cube load Compressive
the Specimens (days) (2) Strength (MPa)
(kg) (kN) Strength (MPa)
CS 1 28 7.96 878.1 150x150 39.02
CS 2 28 7.70 582.3 150x150 25.84 31.34
CS 3 28 8.02 656.2 150x150 29.16
NFRC 2A1 28 7.18 412.2 150x150 18.32
NFRC 2A2 28 7.48 327.2 150x150 14.54 16.13
NFRC 2A2 28 7.36 349.5 150x150 15.53
NFRC 2B1 28 7.26 415.7 150x150 18.47
NFRC 2B2 28 7.44 467.9 150x150 20.79 19.02
NFRC 2B3 28 7.34 403.1 150x150 17.91

26
 Control Sample
45

40
Compressive Strength (MPa)

35

30 20.53 + 31.4
avg= 25.94
25

20 Control Sample

15 Linear (Control Sample)

10

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Days

Figure 4.2 The Controls sample average result

NFRC 1
20
18
Compressive Strength (MPa)

16 12.5 + 16.13
avg = 14.32
14
12
10
NFRC 1
8
Linear (NFRC 1)
6
4
2
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Days

Figure 4.3 NFRC 1 samples average result

27
 NFRC 2
25
Compressive Strength (MPa)

20
13.21 + 19.02
avg = 16.12
15

NFRC 2
10
Linear (NFRC 2)

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Days

Figure 4.4 NFRC2 samples average result

COMPRESSIVE TEST RESULTS

35
31.34
30
Compressive Strength (MPA)

25
20.53
19.02
20
16.13
15 12.5 13.21

10

0
7 28
DAYS

C.M NFRC 1 NFRC 2

Figure 4.5 Compressive Test Results

28
From the three linear graphs we can found that the fiber reduced the overall compressive strength by

37.8% in comparison with the control sample. The main causes of this negative impact is due to the

high amount of fiber added to the concrete mix as it shouldve been added based on the volume of the

cube as the large quantity of fiber resulted in a honeycomb defects on the cubes which is the main

reason for the reduction of the overall compressive strength.

Figure 4.6 Honeycomb defects on the NFRC cube

The results also show that NFRC Compressive strength increased with the addition of more

plasticizer. Which indicate that the optimum amount of plasticizer to be used on the beams is 4% of

the total weight of the mix.

All the failure recorded for the 18 samples are satisfactory failures according to BS 1881. Where all

the four exposed faces are cracked approximately equally, generally with little damage to faces in

contact with the platens.

29
Figure 4.7 satisfactory failures according to BS 1881

Figure 4.8 The failures recorded on the samples

30
4.4 Flexural Strength Test Results

Three beams with different specification and reinforcement were made as shown in Table: 4.5. The

behaviors of each beam under load is recorded also using LVDT the maximum achieved deflection

before failure is measured as shown in Figure 4.6.

Table 4.6: The specification of the Specimens

Maximum
Size of the Maximum achieved
Identification of
reinforcement Percentage of fiber achieved load deflection
the Specimens
bar (mm) (kN) before failure
(mm)
Control Sample 12 mm 0% 47.14 -5
NFRC W 12 mm 1% based on weight 52.02 -18
NFRC V 8 mm 0.5% based on volume 47.9 -8

Load vs Deflection on Beams

60

50

40
Load (kN)

30

20

10

0
-18
-3

-5
0
0
0
-1
-1
-2
-2
-2
-3

-4
-4
-4
-5

-5
-6
-6
-7
-7
-7
-8
-8
-9
-10
-11
-12
-14
-16
-17
-18
-18

Deflection (mm)

control sample NFRC V NFRC W

Figure 4.9 The Load Vs Deflection on Beams

31
Each specimen had an observable linear elastic region. A consistent crackling noise was observed

throughout the testing of the NFRC beams. This observation suggests that individual fibers were

breaking and redistributing the load to other fibers. A popping noise often accompanied a reduction

in load, signifying the rupture of part of the cross-section. In the inelastic region, the NFRC beams

hold a fairly more load (varying 8%) than the control sample for a relatively large deflection (up to

13 mm). As in Figure 4.9, NFRC W has the highest amount of fiber and achieved the highest deflection

before failure which indicated as the fiber amount increase the deflection will increase. The NFRC V

with the reduced reinforcement and fiber achieved an almost identical load value (47 kN) to the control

sample but with deflection of (-4 mm) which indicate that the plasticizers have successfully overcome

the strength reduction caused by the fiber high water abortion rate.

Figure 4.10: The 4-Point Figure 4.11: The LVDT on the

Test beams

32
4.5 Conclusion

From The results, it been found that the normal concrete mix and the natural fiber concrete mix based

on volume had a medium workability in comparison with natural fiber concrete mix that are based on

weight which achieved very low workability.

The results from the compression showed that the ideal amount of plasticizer that needed to be added

to the mix is 4% based on the total width of the mix.

The addition of the natural fiber based on the weight reduced the overall strength of the cubes but

gave the beam more of plastic catachrestic as it achieved high deflection rate before failure. On the

other hand, the beam with fiber addition based on volume and with 33.3% less reinforcement was able

to achieve an approximately similar load resistance to the control sample with relatively higher

deflection before failure which indicate that the plasticizers have successfully overcome the strength

reduction caused by the fiber high water abortion rate.

33
 CHAPTER 5:

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Conclusion

In conclusion, this thesis achieved its objectives to determine the adequate percent of plasticizer that

needs to be added to the concrete mix which is 4-5% based on the total weight of the mix. This addition

helped to overcome the Natural fiber high water absorption problem resulting in higher load

resistance. Also, the NFRC beams achieved a fairly more load resistance (varying 8%) than the

control sample for a relatively large deflection (up to 13 mm) which indicate that the ductility of the

beam significantly improved.

The results of the compressive strength test results show that NFRC addition to the based-on weight

resulted in a massive reduction in the compressive strength by 39.3% in comparison with the control

sample. Based on this experiment we find that the addition of the Natural fiber must be based on

volume.

Overall, it can be concluded that the use of Natural fiber will improve and maintain the strength of

the RC beam while using 33% less reinforcement which can lead to a huge reduction in the building

cost.

34
5.2 Recommendation

Natural fiber has deferent types and forms that are extracted from plants thats are naturally growing

in Malaysia for years, Natural fiber has huge environmental advantages and agricultural flexibility.

Hence the following is recommended for future research:

i. Study the effect of adding more plasticizer the NFRC while using different curing methods in

order to get different strength parameters.

ii. Compare the result of using different types of the Natural fiber and try to find out the best type

of natural fiber in term of strength enhancement, and less water absorption rate.

iii. Study the effect on the beam strength after adding more natural fiber to the concrete mix (based

on volume).

35
REFERENCES

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Length and Fibre Content on Mechanical Properties of Short Basalt Fibre. Materials Physics
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Awang, H., Ahmad, M. H., & Materials, A. (2014). Durability Properties of Foamed Concrete with
Fiber Inclusion, 8(3), 269272.

Awang, H., Azree, M., Mydin, O., & Ahmad, M. H. (2013). Mechanical and Durability Properties
of Fibre Lightweight Foamed Concrete. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences,
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http://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-010-9596-6

Chauhan, A., & Chaudan, P. (2013). Natural Fibers Reinforced Advanced Materials. Chemical
Engineering & Process Tehnology, 13. http://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7048.S6-003

Edgington et al. & Hannant D.J., 1978, Fibre Cement and Fibre Concretes, John Wiley & Sons
Publication, pp 52-61.

Hafizah, N. a. K., Bhutta, M. a. R., Jamaludin, M. Y., Warid, M. H., Ismail, M., Rahman, M. S.,
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Seminar Papers.htm

37
APPENDIX

THE USED CONCRETE MIX DESIGN

Type of cement = O.P.C-30 grade

Brand of cement = N/a

Admixture = PYE KWISET [Plasticising Accelerator]

Fine Aggregate = Zone-II

Sp. Gravity

Cement = 3.15

Fine Aggregate = 2.61

Coarse Aggregate (20mm) = 2.65

Coarse Aggregate (10mm) = 2.66

Minimum Cement (As per contract) =400 kg / m3

Maximum water cement ratio (As per contract) = 0.45

Concrete Mix Design Calculation:

1. Target Mean Strength = 50 + ( 5 X 1.65 ) = 58.25 Mpa

2. Selection of water cement ratio:

Assume water cement ratio = 0.35

3. Calculation of water content:

38
Approximate water content for 20mm max. Size of aggregate = 180 kg /m3 (As per Table No. 5 , IS

: 10262 ). As plasticizer is proposed we can reduce water content by 20%.

Now water content = 180 X 0.8 = 144 kg /m3

4. Calculation of cement content:

Water cement ratio = 0.35

Water content per m3 of concrete = 144 kg

Cement content = 144/0.35 = 411.4 kg / m3

Say cement content = 412 kg / m3 (As per contract Minimum cement content 400 kg / m3 )

Hence O.K.

5. Calculation of Sand & Coarse Aggregate Quantities:

Volume of concrete = 1 m3

Volume of cement = 412 / ( 3.15 X 1000 ) = 0.1308 m3

Volume of water = 144 / ( 1 X 1000 ) = 0.1440 m3

Volume of Admixture = 4.994 / (1.145 X 1000 ) = 0.0043 m3

Total weight of other materials except coarse aggregate = 0.1308 + 0.1440 +0.0043 = 0.2791 m3

Volume of coarse and fine aggregate = 1 0.2791 = 0.7209 m3

Volume of F.A. = 0.7209 X 0.33 = 0.2379 m3 (Assuming 33% by volume of total aggregate )

Volume of C.A. = 0.7209 0.2379 = 0.4830 m3

Therefore weight of F.A. = 0.2379 X 2.61 X 1000 = 620.919 kg/ m3

Say weight of F.A. = 621 kg/ m3

39
Therefore weight of C.A. = 0.4830 X 2.655 X 1000 = 1282.365 kg/ m3

Say weight of C.A. = 1284 kg/ m3

Considering 20 mm: 10mm = 0.55: 0.45

20mm = 706 kg .

10mm = 578 kg .

Hence Mix details per m3

Increasing cement, water, admixture by 2.5% for this trial

Cement = 412 X 1.025 = 422 kg

Water = 144 X 1.025 = 147.6 kg

Fine aggregate = 621 kg

Coarse aggregate 20 mm = 706 kg

Coarse aggregate 10 mm = 578 kg

Admixture = 2 % by weight of cement

To be Used amount for this experiments

Cement = 422 kg 42 kg

Water = 147.6 kg14.6 kg

Fine aggregate = 621 kg 62.1 kg

Coarse aggregate 20 mm = 706 kg 70.6 kg

Coarse aggregate 10 mm = 578 kg 57.8 kg

Admixture = 2 % by weight of cement 5 kg

40
SECTIONS USED FROM THE BS 1881

41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
 Figure A1: The Results on the compressive strength

machine

Figure A2: The reinforcement before

casting

Figure A3: The Cracking Failure on the beam after the 4-point

test

51
 Figure A4: The NFRC mix based on weight

Figure A5: The Flexural Strength & LVDT Testing and

Recording

52