Examining the Impact of Sisal Fibers on Mechanical Properties of Foam Concrete
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Date
2025-04-21
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
Foam concrete is a lightweight construction material valued for its workability,
thermal insulation and low density. However, its low compressive strength limits its structural applications. This study investigates the impact of sisal fiber reinforcement in mechanical properties of foam concrete, with a focus on optimizing fiber length to enhance strength (compressive, flexural and tensile). The mechanical and chemical properties of sisal fibers were analyzed before and after treatment to improve fiber matrix bonding. Experimental results demonstrated that 10mm sisal fibers reinforced foam concrete achieved the highest compressive strength of 20.4 MPa compared to 15.1MPa for the control concrete indicating a 35% improvement. Similarly, flexural strength increased significantly with 10 mm fiber-reinforced samples achieving 5.0MPa at 28 days compared to 2.88 MPa for the control.
Additionally, durability tests showed improved resistance to water absorption and freeze-thaw cycles confirming the potential of sisal fiber to enhance foam concrete’s long-term performance. These findings suggest that incorporating sisal fibers, particularly at an optimal of 10mm, can improve the structural viability of foam concrete making it more suitable for cost effective and sustainable construction applications. However, there is need to refine fiber dispersion techniques and evaluate long term performance under varying environmental conditions.
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Undergraduate