ENHANCING CONCRETE PERFORMANCE THROUGH BAMBOO FIBER

REINFORCEMENT

a,
Faraji A Rajabu * (2020-04-10542)
Raphael Y Mrema a,* (2020-04-07856)
a
Department of Structural and Construction Engineering, University of Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania. b Concrete Materials and Structural Integrity Research Unit (CoMSIRU),

Abstract
This research project aims to investigate the potential of bamboo fiber reinforcement in normal
strength concrete to enhance its mechanical properties, with a specific focus on compressive
strength, flexural strength, and crack control. Bamboo, known for its renewability and remarkable
strength characteristics, holds promising prospects as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional
reinforcement materials.
The research will Involve a comprehensive experimental investigation starting with a careful
extraction of bamboo fibers from bamboo tree species Yushiana alpina, also including the
preparation of concrete specimens with varying bamboo fiber content (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and
2%) and fiber lengths (30mm, 40mm, 50mm, 50mm and 60mm) to find the optimum fibers for the
concrete mix design. The specimens will be subjected to compressive strength tests to evaluate the
effect of bamboo fiber reinforcement on the concrete's ability to withstand axial loads.
Additionally, flexural strength tests will be conducted to assess the impact of bamboo fibers on the
concrete’s resistance to bending forces. The project will also explore the effectiveness of bamboo
fibers in controlling crack formation and propagation within the concrete matrix. From the
experiment it was observed that the optimum of fiber dosage is 1% by the weight of cement with
fiber length per diameter of 40.

Keywords: Bamboo fiber reinforcement, normal strength concrete, compressive strength, flexural
strength, crack control, experimental study, sustainable construction, eco-friendly materials.

*
Corresponding author at: Department of Structural and Construction Engineering, University of
Dar es salaam, Tanzania
E-mail address: faraji.rajabu001@gmail.com
Phone number: +255 712 014 314