An Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Jute Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

An experimental investigation of mechanical properties of jute fiber-reinforced concrete (JFRC) is reported for making a suitable building material in terms of reinforcement. Two jute fiber reinforced concretes, so called jute fiber reinforced normal strength concrete (JFRNSC) and jute fiber reinforced high-fluidity concrete (JFRHFC), were tested in axial compression, flexure and splitting tensile strength. Jute fiber is economic and environmental-friendly fiber because it can be cultivated in nature. The slump value, compressive, flexural and splitting tensile strengths of specimens were investigated to four levels of jute fiber contents by volume fraction. The results showed that the slump value of JFRHFC decreased sharply as the increase of fiber content, which indicated the jute fiber in HFC should limited for maintain the HFC characteristics. Also the effect of jute fiber in HFC increased its compressive and splitting tensile strength significantly when compared to those of NSC while the flexural strength was not significantly different compared to NSC.