Modification of the Performance of Fresh and Hardened Concrete Reinforced With Fibers From Oil Palm Mesocarp

Abstract

Currently, many researchers use industrial or agricultural by‐products (waste) as raw materials for the construction sector. These wastes are economical and help preserve the environment through good waste management. For this purpose, oil palm mesocarp fibers (OPMFs) are used at various volume concentrations (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) for the production of OPMF‐reinforced concrete aged 7, 14, and 28 days. The aim of this research was to investigate the properties of both fresh (spreading, occluded air, and density) and hardened (density, flexure, and compression) reinforced with OPMF, using MANOVA analysis. The experimental results of fresh concrete showed that the addition of OPMF volume fractions in the concrete reduced its workability compared to the reference concrete (0% OPMF concrete), while the entrapped air content increased relative to the control mix. The density showed an expected reduction relative to the control concrete. Furthermore, MANOVA evaluation of the hardened concrete properties demonstrated that the density of OPMF‐containing concrete was markedly lower than that of the reference mixture. Almost similar variations are observed with regard to the flexural and compressive strength of OPMF concrete.