EFFECT OF THE USE OF PALM FIBRE ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE

The study is to examine the effect of the use of palm fibre on the mechanical properties of concrete. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on natural fibre in concrete, by reducing reliance on synthetic materials, this study supports eco-friendly construction practices. The study focuses on the mechanical properties of concrete, specifically compressive strength, when palm fibre is incorporated. It examines the impact of varying proportions of palm fibre on these properties for a 1:2:4 concrete. The concrete specimen was casted and tested after 7, and 28 days of curing in water. It was observed that the test conducted at 7 days, the compressive strength of the control mix varies significantly after the addition of granite with palm fibre. The results indicate that addition of palm fibre increase the compressive strength of the concrete from 15.91 N/mm2 to 18.10 N/mm2, also the use of palm fibre led to a significant increase in density from 2200kg/m3 to 2550kg/m3. It was observed that the test conducted at 28 days, the compressive strength of the control mix varies significantly after the addition of palm fibre. The results indicate that adding palm fibre increased the compressive strength of the concrete from 23.05N/mm2 to 27.10 N/mm2, also the use of palm fibre led to a significant increase in density from 2500kg/m3 to 2700kg/m3. The workability as measured by the slump test, also increased with the palm fibre.