Influence of bamboo fiber and limestone powder on the properties of self-compacting concrete

Abstract

This paper examines the effect of combined bamboo fibers and limestone powder used as filler material on the fresh, hardened and microstructural properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC). The bamboo fibers of aspect ratio (l/d) of 50 and a maximum length of 50 mm was varied in steps of 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% in the SCC mix. While 10% of limestone powder was added as a filler in each of the SCC mix. The workability of the mix was assessed by slump flow test and V-funnel test, while the mechanical properties were assessed by considering the compressive and split tensile strength test after 7, 14 and 28 curing age. All concrete mixes were carried out by following the European Federation for Specialist Construction Chemicals and Concrete (EFNARC) standard, while the microstructure of selected samples was assessed using the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Test results indicate that fiber addition influences the fresh properties of SCC. Moreover, it was observed that SCC mix containing with fiber content of 0.75% and 0.5% with the inclusion of 10% limestone powder achieved the highest compressive and split tensile strength values of 28.04 MPa and 3.26 MPa, respectively. The result showed an increment of 17.4% and 32% compare to the control mix. Results of SEM showed an improvement in the morphology of the concrete. Hence, bamboo fiber and limestone powder can be sustainably combined to regulate the flow-ability and improving the strength of the self-compacting concrete for local structural construction.

Keywords:

• bamboo fiber
• limestone powder
• self-compacting concrete
• flow-ability
• compressive strength
• tensile strength
• scanning electron microscopy

PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT

Over the years, the construction industry is continuously improving on the productivity of concrete in order to deliver a concrete that is safe, economical and more importantly environmentally friendly. Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is regarded as a special concrete because of its ability to fits into any working environment. However, there is a possibility of further improving on the properties and performance of SCC by investigating on other materials that can be used to achieve this target. Furthermore, this is also important because the industry is making efforts to achieve sustainability in the production of concrete. Therefore, this research examines the influence of combining locally sourced fiber referred to as bamboo and limestone powder on the properties and performance of self-compacting concrete.

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the support of the Covenant University Centre for Research, Innovation and Development (CUCRID).

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no direct funding for this research.

Notes on contributors

Anthony N. Ede

Anthony Ede is an associate professor of structures and materials at the department of civil engineering, Covenant University, Nigeria. His research interest includes; structural health monitoring and materials characterization.

Oluwarotimi M. Olofinnade

Oluwarotimi Olofinnade is a lecturer at the department of civil engineering, Covenant University, Nigeria. He is currently a visiting researcher at SRM institute, India. His research interest include; sustainable materials, engineering education, green solution to waste management and utilization.

Opeyemi Joshua

Opeyemi Joshua is a lecturer at the department of building technology, Covenant University, Nigeria. His research interest include; built environment and sustainable materials.

David O. Nduka

David Nduka is a lecturer at the department of building technology, Covenant University, Nigeria. He is currently on his Ph.D, and his research interest include; built environment and sustainable materials.

Obatarhie A. Oshogbunu

Obatarhie A. Oshogbunu is a student at the department of civil engineering, Covenant University, Nigeria. His research focus is on sustainable materials.