Durability Properties of Lightweight Foamed Concrete Reinforced with Lignocellulosic Fibers

Abstract

Worldwide concern and ascendancy of emissions and carbon footprints have propelled a substantial number of explorations into green concrete technology. Furthermore, construction material costs have increased along with their gradual impact on the environment, which has led researchers to recognize the importance of natural fibers in improving the durability and mechanical properties of concrete. Natural fibers are abundantly available making them relatively relevant as a reinforcing material in concrete. Presently, it should be recognized that most construction products are manufactured using resources that demand a high quantity of energy and are not sustainable, which may lead to a global crisis. Consequently, the use of plant fibers in lightweight foamed concrete (LFC) is deemed a practical possibility for making concrete a sustainable material that responds to this dilemma. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the addition of lignocellulosic fibers on the performance of LFC. In this investigation, four different types of lignocellulosic plant fibers were considered which were kenaf, ramie, hemp and jute fibers. A total of ten mixes were made and tested in this study. LFC samples with a density of 700 kg/m3 and 1400 kg/m3 were fabricated. The weight fraction for the lignocellulosic plant fibers was kept at 0.45%. The durability parameters assessed were flowability, water absorption capability, porosity and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). The results revealed that the presence of cellulosic plant fibers in LFC plays an important role in enhancing all the durability parameters considered in this study. For workability, the addition of ramie fiber led to the lowest slump while the inclusion of kenaf fiber provided optimum UPV. For porosity and water absorption, the addition of jute fiber led to the best results.