European Journal of Scientific Research

ISSN 1450-216X Vol.84 No.2 (2012), pp.156 - 167

© EuroJournals Publishing, Inc. 2012
http://www.europeanjournalofscientificresearch.com

Comparative Study on Glass Fibre Cum Natural Fibre

S. Govindarajan
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
N.P.R.College of Engineering and Technology, Natham
Dindigul District, Tamilnadu, India
E-mail: govindarajan.june@hotmail.com
Tel: 04544-305512; Fax: 04544-305562

K l. Muthuramu
Vice Principal, R.M.K.College of Engineering and Technology
Kavaraipettai, Chennai, India
E-mail: klmuthramu@hotmail.com

Abstract

The present day world is witnessing the construction of very challenging and
difficult civil engineering structures. Quite often, concrete being the most important and
widely used material is called upon to possess very high strength and sufficient workability
properties. Efforts are being made in the field of concrete technology to develop such
concretes with special characteristics. Researchers all over the world are attempting to
develop high performance concretes by using fibres and other admixtures in concrete up to
certain proportions. In the view of the global sustainable developments, it is imperative that
fibres like glass, carbon, polypropylene and aramid fibres provide improvements in tensile
strength, fatigue characteristics, durability, shrinkage characteristics, impact, cavitation,
erosion resistance and serviceability of concrete. Critical investigation for M-25 grade of
concrete to study the compressive strength, flexural strength, tensile strength of glaas fibre
and natural fibre containing fibers of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% volume of fraction. A
result data obtained has been analyzed and compared with a control specimen (0% fiber). A
relationship between glass fibre and natural fibre represented graphically. Result data
clearly shows percentage increase in 28 days Compressive strength, Flexural strength and
Tensile strength for M-25 Grade of Concrete.

Keywords: Glass fibre, Strength Properties, Concrete, Natural Fibre, Aspect Ratio

1. Introduction
Concrete is widely use construction material. Despite its versatility in construction. It is known to have
limitations. It is weak in tension, has limited ductility and resistance to cracking. Its permeability to
liquids and subsequent corrosion of reinforcement, its low freeze thaw, and quite poor resistance to
sulphate attack are some of deficiencies. Based on continuous research carried out around the globe,
various modifications have been made from time to time to overcome the deficiencies of cement
concrete. Extensive research in the field of concrete technology has led to development of special type
of concrete which are capable of eliminating, to a great degree these basic deficiencies.
Comparative Study on Glass Fibre Cum Natural Fibre 157

The various concrete types like fiber reinforced concrete, slurry infiltrated concrete, high
performance concrete, self-compacting concrete, light weight concrete, ultra light concrete, vacuum
concrete, Ferro cement polymer concrete composites sulphur concrete and sulphur infiltration concrete
and so on are recent development in concrete technology.Nowadays, high performance and high
strength materials is required for constructing high-rise building and earthquake or seismic resistant
structures. For that, ductile concrete should be used. However, the conventional reinforced cement
concrete because of its poor tensile strength, the cracks propagate with the application of load, leading
to brittle fracture of concrete. When the load is applied, micro cracks starts developing at about 25-
35% of the ultimate compressive strength. Further application of the loads to uncontrolled growth of
the micro-cracks.

2. Necessity
Plain cement concrete with compressive strength higher than 50 MPa is being used in the construction
of building, and other reinforced and prestressed concrete structures. One major drawback of plain
cement concrete is that it is brittle. The failure will be sudden and catastrophic, particularly in structure,
which are subjected to earthquake blast or suddenly, applied loads. An ideal solution to overcome the
serious disadvantage of plain cement concrete is to add steel fibers in the concrete to convert it into a
ductile material and avoid sudden failure.

3. Objective
The objectives of the present investigation are:
To study the strength characteristics like compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural
strength of plain cement concrete, Glass fiber and Natural fiber (1% to 5%) by volume of fraction.
To compare the load carrying capacity of the plain cement concrete, Glass fiber and Natural
fiber (1% to 5%) cubes, cylinder and flexure.

4. Methodology
In the investigation M25 mix were studied using higher grade ordinary Portland pozzolana cement 53
grade and the Glass fiber and Natural fiber.
Standard concrete cube of 150x150x150mm size were cast and test on 28 days. Addition of
natural fiber and glass fiber of 1% to 5% by the volume of content was tried in the control mix and the
compressive strength of the adjusted mix proportions was studied.
Standard cylinder of size 150mm diameter and 300mm height were cast and test on 28 days for
natural fiber and glass 1% to 5%.the spilt tensile strength for natural fiber and glass fiber mixes.
Standard flexure beam of size 150X 150X500mm size were cast and test on 28 days for natural
fiber and glass 1% to 5%.the spilt tensile strength for natural fiber and glass fiber mixes.

5. Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete

Glass fiber reinforced concrete is a variety of fiber reinforced concrete and is manufactured from fine
grained concrete (concrete matrix) and reinforcing glass fiber strings that are uniformly distributed
across the concrete volume of the product or its specific parts. The collaboration of concrete and fibers
is ensured by bonding along their surfaces, providing a huge fiber-and-concrete contact area. This
results in brand-new properties of the GFRC material.
158 S. Govindarajan and K l. Muthuramu

5.1. Natural Fibre Reinforced Concrete

Natural reinforcing materials can be obtained at low cost and low levels of energy using local
manpower and technology. Utilization levels of energy using local manpower and technology.
Utilization levels of energy using local manpower and technology. Utilization of natural fibers as a
form of concrete reinforcement is of particular interest to less developed regions where conventional
construction materials are not readily available or are too expensive. Sisal-fiber reinforced concrete has
been used for making roof tiles, corrugated sheets, pipes, silos and tanks. Elephant-grass-reinforced
mortar has been used for low-cost housing projects. Wood-cellulose-fiber-reinforced cement has
commercial applications in the manufacture of flat and corrugated sheet and non-pressure pipes.

5.2. Types of Natural Fiber - Unprocessed Natural Fibers

Products made with unprocessed natural fibers such as coconut coir, sisal, sugarcane bagasse, bamboo,
jute, wood and vegetable fibers have been tested in a number of countries. Problems have been
reported with the long-term durability of some of the products. The properties of concrete made using
unprocessed natural fibers depend on a number of factors including the type and length of fiber as well
as the volume fraction.

5.3. Types of Natural Fiber - Processed Natural Fibers

Wood cellulose is the most frequently used natural fiber. It is most commonly obtained using the Kraft
process. This process involves cooking wood chips in a solution of sodium hydroxide, sodium
carbonate and sodium sulphide. Different grades of wood-cellulose fiber containing more or less of the
grades of wood-cellulose fiber containing more or less of the three main constituents, cellulose,
hemicelluloses and ligna can be obtained by bleaching Wood-cellulose fiber has relatively good
mechanical properties compared with many man-made fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene,
polyester and acrylic. Delignified cellulose fiber can be produced with tensile strengths up to
approximately 20 Gpa from selected grades of wood, and using suitable pulping processes. Fiber
tensile strengths of 500 Mpa can be routinely obtained using a chemical pulping process and the more
common, less expensive, grades of wood. Using conventional mixing techniques, the amount of fiber
that can be incorporated into the cement matrix at low water contents is limited by the capacity of the
fibers to be mixed uniformly into is limited by the capacity of the fibers to be mixed uniformly into the
matrix. Fabrication techniques that involve mixing fiber with the matrix at initially high water contents
and then using dewatering procedures are therefore effective and common.

5.4. Material Properties

5.5. Cement
Cement used for casting the specimen was Portland Pozzolana cement. The cement was used in
standard bags and transferred to latter to air tight steel drums to avoid deterioration of the quality. The
specific gravity of cement was determined and found to be 3.11

5.6. Water
The water used for mixing and curing the concrete is the potable water from the tap

5.7. Fine Aggregate

The fine aggregate used for the entire specimen was river sand. The specific gravity of fine aggregate
used for concrete was determined and found to be 2.67
Comparative Study on Glass Fibre Cum Natural Fibre 159

5.8. Coarse Aggregate

The coarse aggregate used in the mixes were hand broken granite stone from quarries around Erode.
20mm size of aggregate was stored in separate dust proof containers. The specific gravity of coarse
aggregate was determined and found to be 2.80

6. Mix Proportion
Many methods have recommended for mix proportioning of concrete all over the world. Among those
methods, IS method was selected. The final mix ratio of M25 was given below

6.1. Mix Design Details

Table 1: Mix Proportions

SL.NO Designation Cement F.A C.A Fibre Content (%) W/C Ratio
1 PCC 1 1 2.46 - 0.4
2 GFRC 1 1 2.46 1 TO 5% 0.4
3 NFRC 1 1 2.46 1 TO 5% 0.4

6.2. Aspect Ratio

The ratio between length per diameter of the fiber is 600

6.3. Casting
Before concreting all the moulds were fully tightened. The junctions of vertical and bottom planks
were coated with plaster of Paris to avoid any leakage of cement slurry. The inside of the mould was
oiled to prevent adhesion of concrete.

6.4. Casting of PCC Cube, Cylinder and Flexure

The exact quantities of materials for the specimens were weighted and kept ready before the mixing
started. The mould was kept ready with the cage placed in position.
Hand mixing was used for mixing the concrete. The concrete immediately after was filled in
three layers in the mould and compacted well using the rod. Moulds were finished smoothly after
initially setting of concrete.

6.5. Casting of GFRC&NFRC Cube, Cylinder and Flexure

After mixing the cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate and water the required quantity of fiber
sprinkled in the mix and then mixed thoroughly and placed in the mould.

6.6. Curing
Cube, cylinder and flexure were kept in the mould for one day. After a period of 24 hours, they were
marked for later identification. Then the side planks were removed. The companion was removed from
the mould platform after 24 hours and stored in the water for curing.

7. Testing of Companion Specimens

The cube compressive strength, cylindrical split tensile strength and the flexure strength are the
determined.
160 S. Govindarajan and K l. Muthuramu

7.1. Cube Compressive Strength of Glass Fibre

The cube testing was done by placing flat pads both top and bottom in compression testing machine.
Ultimate load was noted and compressive strength calculated were present in table

Figure 1: Cube compressive Specimen of Glass Fibre

Table 2: Compressive Strength Test Results of Glass Fibre

SL.NO % Fibre Volume At 28 days MPa

1 0% Conventional Concrete 32.738
2 1% of GFRC 40.667
3 2% of GFRC 31.111
4 3% of GFRC 27.467
5 4% of GFRC 23.222
6 5% of GFRC 20.440

7.2. Behaviour Under Axial Compression of Glass Fibre

The behavior of conventional concrete and GFRC cube specimens under compression is studied and
compared. The comparison is shown below,

Figure 2: Behaviour under axial compression of glass fibre

Comparative Study on Glass Fibre Cum Natural Fibre 161

7.3. Split Tensile Strength of Glass Fibre

The cylinder was placed in universal testing machine such that the load was perpendicular to the axis
of the cylinder and the load at which the cylinder split was noted and the tensile strength was
calculated and the result are given below.

Figure 3: Split tensile Specimen of Glass Fibre

Table 3: Split Tensile Strength of Cylinder Specimens of Glass Fibre

SL.NO % Fibre Volume At 28 days MPa

1 0% Conventional Concrete 3.452
2 1% of GFRC 3.820
3 2% of GFRC 3.707
4 3% of GFRC 3.342
5 4% of GFRC 2.994
6 5% of GFRC 2.532

7.4. Behaviuor Under Split Tension of Glass Fibre

The behavior of conventional and GFRC cylinder specimens under split tension is studied. The
comparison is given below,

Figure 4: Behaviour under Split Tensile Strength of glass fibre

4.5
SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH MPa

4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0

% FIBRE VOLUME
162 S. Govindarajan and K l. Muthuramu

7.5. Flexural Strength of Glass Fibre

The flexural strength was obtained by applying the load by the equal concentrated load at one third of
the beam. The beam was simply supported. Testing was done in UTM and the ultimate load was noted
and the modulus of rupture values are given below,

Figure 5: Tensile Strength Specimen of Glass Fibre

Table 4: Flexure strength of prisms on Glass Fibre

SL.NO % FIBRE VOLUME At 28 days MPa

1 0%CONVENTIONAL CONCRETE 6.400
2 1% of GFRC 7.200
3 2% of GFRC 6.400
4 3% of GFRC 6.000
5 4% of GFRC 5.200
6 5% of GFRC 4.550

7.6. Behaviour Under Flexural Strenth of Glass Fibre

The behavior of conventional concrete and GFRC prism specimens under flexural strength is studied
and compared. The comparison is shown below,

Figure 6: Behaviour under Flexural Strength of glass fibre

8
MODULUS OF RUPTURE MPa

7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

% FIBRE VOLUME
Comparative Study on Glass Fibre Cum Natural Fibre 163

7.7. Cube Compressive Strength of Natural Fibre

The cube testing was done by placing flat pads both top and bottom in compression testing machine.
Ultimate load was noted and compressive strength calculated were present in table

Figure 5: Tensile Strength Specimen of Natural Fibre

Table 5: Compressive Strength Test Results of Natural Fibre

SL.NO % Fibre Volume At 28 days MPa

1 0% Conventional Concrete 32.738
2 1% of GFRC 24.920
3 2% of GFRC 17.930
4 3% of GFRC 15.480
5 4% of GFRC 14.250
6 5% of GFRC 13.580

Figure 6: Behaviour under axial compression of Natural fibre

8
MODULUS OF RUPTURE MPa

7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

% FIBRE VOLUME

7.8. Split Tensile Strength of Natural Fibre

The cylinder was placed in universal testing machine such that the load was perpendicular to the axis
of the cylinder and the load at which the cylinder split was noted and the tensile strength was
calculated and the result are given below.
164 S. Govindarajan and K l. Muthuramu
Figure 7: Split tensile Specimen of Natural Fibre

Table 6: Split Tensile Strength of Cylinder Specimens of Natural Fibre

SL.NO % Fibre Volume At 28 days MPa

1 0% Conventional Concrete 3.452
2 1% of GFRC 3.552
3 2% of GFRC 2.933
4 3% of GFRC 2.314
5 4% of GFRC 2.174
6 5% of GFRC 2.110

Figure 8: Behaviour under Split Tensile Strength of Natural fibre

4
SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH MPa

3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0

% FIBRE VOLUME

7.9. Flexural Strength of Natural Fibre

The flexural strength was obtained by applying the load by the equal concentrated load at one third of
the beam. The beam was simply supported. Testing was done in UTM and the ultimate load was noted
and the modulus of rupture values are given below
Comparative Study on Glass Fibre Cum Natural Fibre 165
Figure 9: Tensile Strength Specimen of Natural Fibre

Table 7: Flexure strength of prisms on Natural Fibre

SL.NO % FIBRE VOLUME At 28 days MPa

1 0% CONVENTIONAL CONCRETE 6.400
2 1% of GFRC 6.870
3 2% of GFRC 5.000
4 3% of GFRC 4.580
5 4% of GFRC 4.127
6 5% of GFRC 3.897

Figure 10: Behaviour under Flexural Strength of Natural fibre

8
MODULUS OF RUPTURE MPa

7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

% FIBRE VOLUME

8. Comparative Study
A detailed analysis of compressive strength, flexural strength and tensile strength of concrete mixed
with natural fibre and glass fibres is done. The results are taken after 28 days of curing.
166 S. Govindarajan and K l. Muthuramu

8.1. Comparative Study of Glass Fibre and Natural Fibre Under Cube Specimen

45

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH MPa

40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0 GLASS FIBRE
NATURAL FIBRE

% FIBRE VOLUME

8.2. Comparative Study of Glass Fibre and Natural Fibre Under Cylinder Specimen

4.5
4
SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH MPa

3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0 GLASS FIBRE
NATURAL FIBRE

% FIBRE VOLUME

8.3. Comparative Study of Glass Fibre and Natural Fibre Under Prism

9. Conclusion
A detailed analysis of compressive strength, flexural strength and tensile strength of concrete mixed
with glass fibres and Natural Fibres is done. The results are taken after 28 days of curing.
The percentage increase of compressive strength of glass fibre concrete with 28 days
compressive strength is 63.19%
The percentage increase of flexural and split tensile strength of glass fibre concrete with 28
days strength is 7.54%. and 48%.
Comparative Study on Glass Fibre Cum Natural Fibre 167

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