Open Journal of Civil Engineering, 2019, 9, 185-194

http://www.scirp.org/journal/ojce
ISSN Online: 2164-3172
ISSN Print: 2164-3164

Developing Suitable Proportions for the

Production of Pineapple Leaf Fibers Reinforced
Normal Strength Concrete

Kayibanda Patrick1*, Richard Ocharo Onchiri2, Geoffrey Manguriu3

1
Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Pan African
University, Nairobi, Kenya
2
Department of Building and Civil Engineering, Technical University of Mombasa, Mombasa, Kenya
3
Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology,
Nairobi, Kenya

How to cite this paper: Patrick, K., Onchi- Abstract

ri, R.O. and Manguriu, G. (2019) Develop-
ing Suitable Proportions for the Production The present work tried to develop suitable proportions for the production of
of Pineapple Leaf Fibers Reinforced Nor- Pineapple Leaf Fibers (PALF) reinforced Normal Strength Concrete (NSC),
mal Strength Concrete. Open Journal of
an experimental analysis with a mix ratio of 1:1.84:3.27 for cement: fine ag-
Civil Engineering, 9, 185-194.
https://doi.org/10.4236/ojce.209.93013
gregates: coarse aggregates with constant water to cement ratio of 0.54. The
total volume per mixing batch was calculated of 9 cubes + 9 cylinders + 3
Received: June 13, 2019 beams in order to know the number of materials to be used in casting per
Accepted: July 6, 2019
batch, and the PALF percentage was taken based on cement weight whereby
Published: July 9, 2019
it starts from the lowest to the maximum as follow 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%,
Copyright © 2019 by author(s) and 0.8%, and 1%. The tests that were done on fresh concrete were compacting
Scientific Research Publishing Inc. factors and workability using the slump test which was carried out on each
This work is licensed under the Creative
fresh mix of concrete. The results showed that PALF can be used to improve
Commons Attribution International
License (CC BY 4.0).
the Tensile and Flexural properties of Normal Strength Concrete.
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Open Access Keywords
Pineapple Leaf Fibers, Tensile Strength, Compressive Strength, Flexural
Strength, and Water Absorption

1. Introduction
The construction industry is one of rapidly growing industries across the world.
In this industry, concrete plays an inherent role and is the most widely used
manmade construction material. Concrete will continue to be the leading con-
struction material all over the world due to its versatile advantageous properties

DOI: 10.4236/ojce.209.93013 Jul. 9, 2019 185 Open Journal of Civil Engineering

K. Patrick et al.

such as good compressive strength, and high mould ability, plastic and malleable
when fresh and durable, impermeable and fire resistant when hardened [1] [2].
Concrete is therefore used for advanced applications, design and construction
techniques such as building houses, bridges, dams, pavements, stadiums, retain-
ing structures, airports and skyscrapers. However, NSC has some undesirable
properties like being weak in tension, brittleness, less resistance to cracking, low
impact resistance and heavy weight, hence there is a need to improve the con-
crete properties [3] [4]. Pineapple Leaf Fibers (PALF) are more compatible nat-
ural fiber resource and constitutes a good chemical composition [5]. PALF are a
vital natural fiber, which have a high specific strength, rigidity, flexural and tor-
sional rigidity than other fibers; seen all these advantages of PALF and since no
one has developed suitable proportion of production of PALF reinforced on
NSC it is time to try such fiber. Natural fibers have the advantages of low densi-
ty, low cost, and biodegradability. When concrete cracks, the randomly oriented
fibers start functioning, arrest crack formation and propagation, and thus im-
prove strength and ductility. Natural fibres from pineapple leaves are a good op-
tion to study because of their high tensile strength and high cellulose content [6].
The use of PALF reinforcement in construction materials can enhance structural
strength and toughness, and this can reduce cracking and shrinkage [7]. Hence
this study was made to develop a suitable proportion of production of PALF on
properties of NSC.

2. Materials and Methods

The methods adopted and followed for this study are discussed in the subse-
quent section. The most important test methods and standards are summarized
in Table 1, The materials used in this study were coarse aggregates, fine aggre-
gates, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) grade of (42.5 N) East African Standard
KS EAS 18.1 was used in the study and water, all of them were collected from
Kenya. The PALF materials were obtained from Hand Conifer Company Ltd,
Mumbai, India. The fibres were extracted from the leaves by using a mechanical
extractor machine [8]. Coarse aggregates were obtained locally and those con-
forming to BS EN 109-1 specification and limited to a maximum size of 25 mm

Table 1. Test methods adopted.

Test on Constituent materials of NSC Test on fresh and hardened NSC with PALF

Test Performed Standard Used Test Performed Standard Used

Sieve Analysis BS EN 109-1 Slump BS EN 12350-2

Aggregate specific gravity BS EN 1097-6 Compacting Factor BS 1881-103
Fineness modulus ASTM C136 Water absorption BS EN 12350-3
Cement Specific Gravity BS EN 197-1 Compressive strength BS EN 12390-3

Aggregate water absorption BS EN 1097-6 Split tensile strength BS EN 12390-6

Consistency & Setting Time of Cement BS EN 197-1 Flexural strength BS EN 12390-7

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 K. Patrick et al.

were used. They were first washed to remove the dust and dirt, and then dried to
surface dry condition before use in the mix. The fine aggregates used was river
sand obtained locally from Meru, in Kenya and was then sieved through a 10
mm sieve to remove any coarse particle before use. The materials were batched
by weight at a ratio of 1:1.84:3.27 with respect to OPC: fine aggregates: coarse
aggregates with a constant water/cement ratio of 0.54, they were then mixed and
after PALF were added to the mix at percentages of 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%,
and 1% of cement weight and finally water added to form a paste. On each fresh
mix of concrete both workability was determined using the slump test and com-
pacting factor was determined using two conical hoppers having a hinged trap
door attached to the lower end of each hopper, allowing the concrete sample to
flow freely into the cylindrical mould in accordance with BS EN 12390-6. The
mixture was then cast into greased cubes of 150 × 150 × 150 mm, cylinders of
150 mm diameter and 300 mm height and beams of and then compacted using a
poker vibrator after which was left to set for 24 hours and then demoulded and
placed in curing tanks for 7 days, 14 days and 28 days of curing period [9] [10].
The concrete cubes, the cylinders and beams were tested for compressive
strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength using the universal test-
ing machine at 7 days, 14 days and 28 days in accordance with European Stan-
dards of BS EN 12390-3 and Water absorption at 28 days accordance to BS EN
12350-3.

3. Material Characterization
3.1. Coarse and Fine Aggregates
The fine aggregates used was river sand sieved on a 10 mm BS sieve to remove
any coarse particles and the fine aggregates were ranging from 0.15 mm (150
µm) to 10 mm. The coarse aggregates used were crushed angular shaped rocks
ranging from 2.36 mm to 25 mm. Table 2 shows the physical properties of both
the coarse aggregates and the fine aggregates that were carried out. From these
results, the conclusion was made that both aggregates satisfied the standards and
therefore could be used in the production of Normal weight concrete reinforced
with PALF.

Table 2. Physical properties of coarse and fine aggregates.

Properties Fine aggregates Coarse aggregates

Particle size 0.15 mm - 5 mm 2.36 mm - 25 mm
Specific gravity 2.67 g/cm3 2.78 g/cm3
Water absorption 5.78% 2.25%
shape - Angular
Surface texture - Rough
Moisture content 2.21% 2.06%
Fineness modulus 2.41% -

Source: BS EN 109-1.

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K. Patrick et al.

3.2. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) I 42.5 N

Table 3 shows the physical properties of the cement used in the study as com-
pared to the requirement as per BS EN 197-1 Methods of physical tests for hy-
draulic cement (Determination of consistency of standard cement paste).

3.3. Pineapple Leaf Fibers

PALF were treated in 4% of Sodium Hydroxide Before chemical properties anal-
ysis and tensile strength of PALF (NaOH) solution over various duration NaOH
is one of the best treatment of natural fibers, in increasing fibers roughness by
chemically modifying and cleaning the fibre surface [11] [12]. Table 4 shows the
chemical properties that were determined. In this way, three containers (dishes)
were put in oven dry for 10 minutes to be cool. The three samples were ready for
the experiment, after that, they were weighted. The samples of PALF were added
on the three dishes and weighted. To calculate the moisture content it was ne-
cessary to put them in oven dry for 3 hours, and then after weighing them to see
the weight after drying our 3 samples. In accordance with ASTM D854-9 the
PALF were cut in equal length of 30 mm and 0.052 mm of diameter.
Wt. A = weight after 12 h of even dry 40˚C using C2H5OH
Wt. B = weight after 12 h of even dry 80˚C using KOH
Wt. C = weight after 12 h of even dry 80˚C using H2SO4

Table 3. Physical properties of ordinary Portland cement.

Properties Description Requirement as per EN197-1

Standard consistency 31.5% 26% to 33%

Specific gravity 3.14 3.1 to 3.16 g/cm3

Initial Setting Time 138 min Not less than 60 min

Final Setting Time 229 min Not more than 600 min

Soundness 0.8 mm Not more than 10 mm

Color Grey -

Specific gravity 3.14 3.1 to 3.16 g/cm3

Source: BS EN 197-1.

Table 4. Chemical properties of PALF.

sample smp wt glass wt glass + smp wt. A wt. B wt. C cellulose hemicellulose lignin

A 1.007 31.7241 32.7311 32.8743 32.5838 32.2444 33.704 28.848 32.2444

B 1.009 31.9622 32.9712 33.1588 32.8394 32.4612 37.483 31.655 32.4612

C 1.004 31.3027 32.3067 32.5025 32.2354 31.9047 32.898 26.643 31.9047

mean 34.695 30.252 32.353

stdev 2.672 2.512 0.281

Source: The chemical properties (i.e., proportions of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) of the treated four (4) fibers samples were determined based the
procedure described by Direct method of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin [6] [13].

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 K. Patrick et al.

3.4. Water
Water Ordinary portable water conforming to BS 1348-2 (1980) available in the
laboratory with a pH of 8.1 was used in the study for mixing and curing of con-
crete mixes.

4. Results and Discussion

4.1. Workability of Normal Strength Concrete with PALF
Determination of workability in this study was done by the slump test which was
carried out in triplicate on every mix that was made and an average value ob-
tained. Results of the slump test are presented in Figure 1 showing the average
slump for each mix versus the percentage addition of PALF in the mix [14].
Considering a constant water/cement ratio of 0.54 which was used in the mix
design, as seen from Figure 1, as the content of PALF was increased in the mix,
there was a reduction in the workability levels as reported by a reduction in the
slump values from 65 cm for normal concrete at percentage reductions of 7.69%,
15.38%, 20%, 38.46%, and 61.53% for 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1% PALF ad-
dition respectively as compared to the control. As there was a reduction in the
slump with the addition of PALF in the mix, the concrete remained workable in
nature. This reduction in a slump of concrete was attributed to the presence of
fibers in the mix as they lump on each other reducing the slump while the mix-
ture is still workable. Also, a reduction in the workability of fresh concrete may
be caused by an adhesion within the concrete and holding the other ingredients
of concrete together impeding easy flow. Therefore the mix required more com-
pacting effort to achieve proper compaction as this would directly affect the
density, strength, water absorption and hence the durability of the hardened
concrete.

4.2. Water Absorption of Normal Strength Concrete with PALF

As portrayed in Figure 2, PALF incorporation in the concrete mix increased the
water absorption of the mixes as the control had the least water absorption whe-
reas there was a subsequent increment as the PALF were increased in the mix.

Figure 1. Variation of a slump with PALF.

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K. Patrick et al.

Figure 2. Effect of PALF on water absorption.

PALF added at percentages of 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1% had a percentage
increase in the water absorption of 9.82%, 23.21%, 31.25%, 37.50% and 47.32%
respectively as compared to the control mix (0% PALF). The increment in water
absorption as the PALF are increased could be as a result of the poor compaction
leading to poor bonding as a result of the smooth texture of the fibers and this
increased the number of pores in the concrete specimen causing it to absorb
more water.

4.3. Compressive Strength of Normal Strength Concrete with PALF

Compressive Strength of concrete with PALF [15] a reduction in compressive
strength was recorded for both the 7 days, 14 days and 28 days though there was
an increase in compressive strength with curing time as 28 days compressive
strength values were greater than those at 7 days and 14 days curing. Percentage
reductions of 3.07%, 4.21%, 6.19%, 9.14%, and 11.60% at 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%
and 1% PALF additions respectively were obtained as compared to the control
mix at 7 days testing, where as 1.81%, 2.47%, 3.24%, 3.87%, and 9.59% at 0.2%,
0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1% PALF additions respectively as compared to the con-
trol mix were obtained at 14 days testing, where as 1.72%, 2.37%, 3.01%, 3.82%
and 5.48% percentage reductions at 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1% PALF addi-
tions respectively were obtained as compared to the control mix at 28 days cur-
ing time. From these results (Figure 3) it can be seen that PALF addition had the
less percentage reduction in compressive strength compared to normal strength
concrete and therefore it offers better compressive strength properties as com-
pared to other percentages of 0.8% and 1% PALF.
From these results, the conclusion can be made that the addition of PALF in
normal strength concrete reduces its compressive strength. This could be attri-
buted to the adhesion properties due to the smooth texture of the PALF in the
mix which reduces the bonding properties of the concrete mix and hence more
compacting energy is required to achieve the desired compressive strength of the
concrete. Therefore PALF cannot be used to enhance the compressive strength
properties of normal weight concrete.

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 K. Patrick et al.

Figure 3. Effect of PALF on the compressive strength of concrete.

4.4. Splitting Tensile Strength of Normal Strength Concrete with

PALF
The Splitting Tensile Strength at all percentages of PALF addition increased with
curing time as 28 days at each percentage had a larger Splitting Tensile Strength
value than those at 7 days and 14 days curing. There was a significant increment
in the tensile splitting values at 1% PALF for 7 days, 14 days and 28 days curing
times. There were percentage increment of 4.61%, 22.76%, 27.29%, 36.60% and
69.61% for 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1% PALF additions respectively were ob-
tained as compared to the control mix at 7 days curing time, where 3.15%,
16.07%, 23.76%, 39.45%, and 54.19%for 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1% PALF
additions respectively were obtained as compared to the control mix at 14 days
testing, where 2.73%, 8.45%, 15.43%, 30.37%, and 51.62% for 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%,
0.8% and 1% PALF additions respectively were obtained as compared to the
control mix at 28 days of curing time. Figure 4 shows graphically an improve-
ment in the splitting tensile strength as the percentage of PALF were added
therefore incorporating PALF as reinforced fibers on the Normal Strength Con-
crete can also improve first crack strength and ultimate ductility index.

4.5. Flexural Strength Test on Normal Strength Concrete with

PALF
It was also observed that the flexural properties were improved comparing to the
control mix of normal strength concrete as the percentage of PALF increased
there was an increment of flexural strength value with curing time of 28 days.
Results in Table 1 show that there was an improvement in the flexural values at
1% PALF. There were percentage increment of 0.98%, 3.54%, 10.84%, 15.06%
and 42.58% for 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1% PALF additions respectively were
obtained as compared to the control mix at 28 days curing time, but it was ob-
served as shown in Table 5 that the compaction factor was reduced as the
percentage of PALF increased.
The PALF have increased the strength of the normal strength in tensile and
flexure more than in compressive, this is showing that the PALF acted more in
traction than in compression within the composite.

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K. Patrick et al.

Figure 4. Effect of PALF on the splitting tensile strength of concrete.

Table 5. Effect of PALF on the flexural strength of concrete.

Batch % of PALF Slump Compacting factor Flexural at 28 days

1 0.0% 65 cm 0.930 4.142 Mpa

2 0.2% 60 cm 0.927 4.183 MPa

3 0.4% 55 cm 0.920 4.289 MPa

4 0.6% 52 cm 0.880 4.591 MPa

5 0.8% 40 cm 0.850 4.766 MPa

6 1.0% 25 cm 0.780 5.096 MPa

5. Conclusions
From this experimental investigation, the following conclusions can be made:
1) PALF have shown that they can contribute to the construction field on
Normal strength Concrete, they can reduce cracks in the structure and improve
the tensile and flexure properties of NSC.
2) According to the experimental work, PALF reinforced NSC have a limita-
tion when their percentages increase more than 1% of cement weight, the Nor-
mal Strength Concrete will not be workable.
3) The best percentage to be used is from 0.2% to 0.8% because it is where the
slump was in range, it was found that PALF cannot be used to enhance com-
pressive strength and water absorption.

6. Recommendations
From this experimental study, the following recommendations were made: For
Possible Applications:
1) PALF can be utilized in Normal Strength Concrete to improve the split
tensile strength and flexural strength in the production of structural of NSC
especially where crack control is a concern especially in water retaining struc-
tures.
2) Further studies:
a) Investigations should be made on how to improve the bonding properties

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 K. Patrick et al.

of the PALF reinforced Normal Strength Concrete.

b) The study at the durability aspect of PALF reinforced Normal Strength
Concrete should also be studied.

Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this pa-
per.

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