Mechanical Properties and Impact Resistance of Hybrid Kenaf and Coir Fiber

Reinforced Concrete

(Sifat Mekanik dan Penyerapan Tenaga Konkrit Bertetulang Gentian Hibrid Kenaf dan Sabut Kelapa)

Annis Nazirah Abdul Aziz, Prof Madya Dr. Roszilah Hamid

Programme for Civil Engineering,
Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia

ABSTRACT

Concrete is brittle and weak in tensile strength but high in compressive strength. One of the alternative ways used
to improve these weakness is by adding reinforcement such as fibres. In this research, kenaf fiber was hybridized
with coir fiber in order to achieve optimum physical and mechanical properties. Physical properties of fiber itself
playing a big role influencing the mechanical properties of concrete. Since, kenaf fiber has high tensile strength
and water absorption but low in ductility while coir fiber has the opposite trend, the hybridization of these two
fiber complement each other by improving the mechanical properties of concrete. This research determines
compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength and ultimate energy absorption by conducting
compression test, split tensile test, flexural test and drop-weight impact test. Five different kenaf : coir fibre ratios
(S1;100:0, S2;50:50, S3;60:40, S4;40:60,S5; 0:100) with 4% fibre by concrete volume and fibre length of 3-5 cm
are considered to identify the optimum ratio that can produced high quality composite. The ratio of kenaf and
coir fibre at 40:60 is the optimum ratio which gives the highest increment up to 10.8% for compressive strength,
37.0% for split tensile strength and 9.8% for flexural strength compared to control sample. 40:60 (S4) is the
optimum ratio based on impact resistance aspect with 8 number of blows and 339.03 Nm of ultimate energy
absorption with an increment of 166.7% compared to control sample. It has been observed that concrete
containing 100% of kenaf fibre (S1) and 100% of coir fibre (S5) shows the increment in compressive strength,
split tensile strength, flexural strength and also impact resistance. (S1) increase by 7.4% on compressive strength,
17.9% on split tensile strength, 4.6% on flexural strength and 33.3% on impact resistance while (S2) increase by
3.9% on compressive strength, 6.1% on split tensile strength, 3% on flexural strength and 100% on impact
resistance. Based on that, (S1) with 100% of kenaf fibre shows better results in mechanical properties compared
to (S2) with 100% coir fibre whereas for impact resistance, (S2) gives higher increments compared to (S1). The
results reveal that hybrid fibre reinforced concrete enhancing mechanical properties and impact resistance of
concrete much higher than single fibre reinforced concrete.

Keywords: Fibre reinforced concrete; Hybrid; Kenaf; Coir; Mechanical properties; Impact resistance

ABSTRAK

Konkrit mempunyai kekuatan dari aspek mampatan yang sangat tinggi namun ia sangat lemah pada kekuatan
tegangannya dan ia sangat rapuh. Bagi memperbaiki kelemahan tersebut, gentian digunakan sebagai tetulang
kepada konkrit. Dalam kajian ini gentian kenaf dan sabut kelapa dihibridkan bagi menghasilkan satu komposit
yang optimum dari segi fizikal dan sifat mekaniknya. Sifat fizikal gentian berperanan mempengaruhi sifat
mekanikal konkrit. Gentian kenaf mempunyai kekuatan tegangan dan penyerapan lembapan yang tinggi tetapi
kemulurannya sangat rendah manakala gentian sabut kelapa mempunyai kekuatan tegangan dan penyerapan
lembapan yang rendah tetapi kemulurannya sangat tinggi. Penghibridan kedua-dua gentian ini dapat melengkapi
antara satu sama lain dan meningkatkan sifat mekanikal konkrit. Kajian ini dijalankan bagi menentukan kekuatan
mampatan, kekuatan tegangan belah, kekuatan lenturan dan penyerapan tenaga muktamad dengan menjalankan
ujian mampatan, tegangan belah, lenturan dan ujian impak jatuhan berat. Lima nisbah gentian kenaf:sabut
kelapa yang berbeza (S1;100:0, S2;50:50, S3;60:40, S4;40:60,S5; 0:100) dengan jumlah peratusan gentian 4%
dari isipadu konkrit dan panjang gentian 3-5 cm telah diuji untuk mengetahui nisbah optimum yang dapat
menghasilkan komposit yang berprestasi tinggi. Keputusan menunjukkan sifat mekanikal konkrit meningkat
dengan penambahan gentian terutama sekali gentian hibrid yang menunjukkan peningkatan yang tinggi dalam
kekuatan mampatan, kekuatan tegangan belah dan kekuatan lenturan. Nisbah yang optimum ialah 60:40 (S3)
dengan peningkatan kekuatan mampatan sebanyak 10.8%, tegangan belah sebanyak 37.0% dan lenturan
sebanyak 9.8% berbanding sampel kawalan. Dari aspek rintangan hentaman pula, nisbah peratusan gentian
kenaf : sabut kelapa yang paling optimum ialah 40:60 (S4) dengan nilai hentaman sebanyak 8 kali dan
penyerapan tenaga muktamad sebanyak 339.03 Nm dengan peningkatan 166.7% berbanding sampel kawalan.
Untuk 100% gentian kenaf (S1) dan 100% gentian sabut kelapa (S5), ia menunjukkan peningkatan pada kekuatan
mampatan, tegangan belah, lenturan dan penyerapan tenaga berbanding sampel kawalan. (S1) memberi
peningkatan sebanyak 7.4% pada kekuatan mampatan, 17.9% pada kekuatan tegangan belah, 4.6% pada
kekuatan lenturan dan 33.3% pada penyerapan tenaga berbanding sampel kawalan manakala (S2) memberi
peningkatan sebanyak 3.9% pada kekuatan mampatan, 6.1% pada kekuatan tegangan belah, 3% pada kekuatan
lenturan dan 100% pada penyerapan tenaga berbanding sampel kawalan. Dengan penambahan 100% gentian
kenaf (S1) memberikan keputusan yang baik dari sifat mekanikalnya manakala 100% gentian sabut kelapa (S2)
pula menunjukkan peningkatan yang lebih tinggi rintangan hentamannya. Kesimpulan daripada kajian ini,
penambahan gentian hibrid ke dalam bancuhan konkrit menghasilkan komposit yang lebih baik dari aspek sifat
mekanik dan rintangan hentaman berbanding gentian tunggal.

Kata Kunci: Konkrit bertetulang gentian; Hibrid; Kenaf; Sabut kelapa; Sifat mekanik; Penyerapan tenaga

1. INTRODUCTION environmentally friendly, low cost, availability and

sustainability. The agricultural waste is one of the
Plain concrete is a brittle material. Concrete has a most important problems that must be resolved for
high compressive strengths but very weak in tensile the conservation of global environment. This
and flexural strength it is about 1/10 from its statement being supported by Vajje & Krishna
compressive strength Al-Masoodi et al. (2016). One (2013) in their research.
of the way to overcome this weakness is by adding 2. LITERATURE REVIEW
some micro reinforcement in concrete such as fibers.
This is because concrete without any reinforcement Regarding on past researchers, natural fibers is
will develop cracks due to plastic shrinkage, drying found can enhance the mechanical properties of
shrinkage and changes in volume of concrete. concrete. Micro structural properties of natural
Development of these micro cracks causes elastic fibers as composites in terms of flexibility, ductility
deformation of concrete. In order to meet the and energy absorption improve the seismic
required values of mechanical strength, fibers are resistance. Fibers in concrete serve as crack arrestor
used in normal concrete. The addition of fibers in which can slow down the crack propagation and
plain concrete will control the cracking due gradual failure Shreeshail et al. (2014). In this
shrinkage and also reduce the bleeding of water. research, natural fibers that had been chosen to be
tested are coir and kenaf fiber and also the
Concrete structure have a high possibility exposed hybridization of these two fibers.
in dynamic load with high strain such as earthquake,
impact and explosion. Thus, research on the Coir fiber is one of the fiber that is easily to obtained.
behavior of fiber reinforced concrete must be done Ali et al. (2012) stated that there are two types of
to find out is it fiber reinforced concrete can resist coconut fibers, brown fiber extracted from matured
the high dynamic load as concrete structure. This is coconuts and white fibers extracted from immature
because concrete response differently when exposed coconuts. He also said that brown fibers is the good
to static load and dynamic load. one as it is thick, strong and have high abrasion
resistance, while white fibers are smoother, finer and
Sustainability awareness had encourage the reusing weaker. Coir fibers really high in its toughness
back agricultural waste in order to reduce compared to other fibers. Next, kenaf fiber is
greenhouse gas emission and indirectly producing a categorized as environmental friendly and
product that is much sustain. Based on Dungani et renewable as its life cycle only about three to six
al. (2016), agricultural waste fibers have a good months. Besides, Elsaid et al. (2011) stated in his
potential in composites due to its high strength, research that kenaf able to absorb approximately 1.5
times its weight in carbon dioxide, which represents their identities and properties Ruby et al. (2014). In
the highest level of absorption of all the plants. a hybrid, two or more different types of fibers are
rationally combined to produce a composite that
Isman (2011) conducted experiment to investigate derives benefits from each of the individual fibers
the influence of kenaf fiber with different percentage and exhibits a synergistic response. Eswari et al.
and the length of fiber is 30 mm. Results obtained (2008) also state the use of optimized combinations
from this study shows that the compressive strength of two or more types fibers in the same concrete
and flexural strength improved as the percentage of mixture can produce a composite with better
fibers increased until 4% and it started to decreased engineering properties than that of individual fibers.
at percentage 5%. This show that the optimum
percentage of fiber to be added in concrete mix is Regarding on Nurudin (2017) research to determine
4%. Apart from that, in Mohd Solong (2017) static properties of HKCFRC claim that hybrid fiber
research, it also shows the increment in compressive inherit better properties and enhanced the strength of
strength and flexural strength of kenaf fiber concrete up to its maximum. Meanwhile, Eswari et
reinforced concrete. al. (2008) the addition of hybrid fibers improves the
ductility performance of concrete.
Regarding on Ruben & Baskar (2014) research,
compressive strength increased as the percentage of This paper main aims are to investigate the static
coir fiber increased. This statement supported by properties and dynamic properties of fiber
Baruah & Talukdar (2007) but the compressive reinforced concrete with different ratio of kenaf and
strength decreased at percentage 2% whereas the coir fiber (100:0, 50:50, 60:40, 40:60, 0:100).
flexural strength increase continuously. Based on
this, its prove that coir fiber is really good as
reinforcement concrete due to its physical properties 3. METHODOLOGY
and its highly toughness.

Based on Table 1.0, kenaf fiber has higher tensile 3.1. Materials
strength but low in ductility while coir fiber low in
tensile strength but high in ductility. Since natural 3.1.1. Cement. The cement used was Portland
fiber inherit its physical properties when served cement ASTM C type 1 with specific gravity of 3.15.
concrete as reinforcement, increasing and
decreasing in concrete strength were pretty much 3.1.2. Coarse aggregate. The dry and clean
comes from the fiber itself. The effectiveness of aggregate was used in concrete mixture. According
hybridization kenaf and coir fiber as the concrete to ASTM, the particle that is retained at sieve 4.75
reinforcement was investigated in this paper. The mm (No. 4) is the coarse aggregate. The crushed
aim of this hybridization is to produce a product that gravel is 20 mm maximum nominal size.
carry all the best properties and increasing the
mechanical properties of concrete to the optimum 3.1.3. Fine aggregate. Based on ASTM, fine
level. aggregate is the particles that can pass through sieve
size of 4.75 mm (No. 4) and some part of it retained
Table 2.0: Physical Properties of Kenaf and Coir at sieve 75 μm (No. 200).
Fiber
3.1.4. Fibres. Cleaned kenaf and coir fibre with
Properties Fiber length of 3 to 5 cm was used in this research. The
Kenaf Coir fibres must be cleaned from its purities and core
Density (𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑 ) 1193 1150 parts as it can affect the effectiveness of the fibre.
Elastic Modulus 53 16 – 26
(GPa) 3.2. Mix Proportions and Preparation
Tensile Strength 930 500
(MPa) The concrete composition of each cubic meter of
Ductility (%) 1.6 17 concrete (used as basis) is given in Table 3.0. The
Water Absorption - 11.36 mix design is proportional in accordance with the
(%) British Department of Environment method (DOE
Reference Wambua et al. Ali Method of Concrete Mix Design). The targeted
(2003) (2012) compressive strength of concrete is 30 MPa, and
hence the water cement ratio is set constant at 0.50.
Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Concrete (HFRC) is
formed from a combination of different types of Based on table 3.0, the binder content of 360 kg/m3
fibers, which differ in material properties, remain was determined by setting the water content at 180
bonded together when added in concrete and retain kg/m3 for the desired slump between 30 to 60 mm.
As the kenaf and coir fibre is added into the mixtures The procedures for mixing the FRC are as follows.
the water content getting reduced due fibre First, the coarse and fine aggregate were placed in a
properties which is high in water absorption. concrete mixer and were allowed to dry mixed for 2

Table 3.0: Mix Proportion

Cement Water Coarse aggregate Fine aggregate Kenaf Coir Slump (mm)
(𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑 ) (𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑 ) (𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑 ) (𝐤𝐠/𝐦𝟑 ) (kg) (kg)

360 180 1097 763 1.536 1.481 30-60

In ASTM C33 also showed the gradation

minutes. Second, the cement and fibre were spread specification for coarse aggregate and make sure
and mixed with little amount of water about ¼ of that result obtained from the sieve analysis that has
water content for approximately 2 minutes. Third, been carried out in this research is in between the
remaining ¾ portion was added and mixed for maximum and minimum its percent passing.
another 2 minutes. Finally, the freshly mixed FRC
was cast into the mould, and the moulds were
vibrated to remove any trapped air. Each of the 3.4. Specific Gravity and Water Absorption Test
specimens was allowed to stand for 24 hours in the
laboratory before demolding. The specimen were Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of total
cured in water for 7 days and 28 days before testing amount of water content while percentage of water
according to ASTM C192. absorption is the rate of mass of aggregate increase
caused by water being absorb by the samples.

3.3. Sieve Analysis 3.4.1. Coarse aggregate. Specific gravity and

water absorption for coarse aggregate is determine
Sieve analysis was conducted in order to determine according to ASTM C127.
the distribution of particle sizes of coarse and fine
aggregate. This is important because aggregate 3.4.2. Fine aggregate. Specific gravity and water
grading affect the workability of concrete. As for absorption for coarse aggregate is determine
coarse and fine aggregate the procedure was according to ASTM C128.
followed ASTM C33. Table 3.1 shows the gradation
specification for fine aggregate. Sieve analysis
results for fine concrete must be in between the 3.5. Testing
maximum and minimum percent passing that has
been stated in the table. 3.5.1. Slump Test. Slump test was carried out to
determine the workability of fresh concrete and it
Table 3.1: Gradation Specification for Fine must be done immediately after finish mixing
Aggregates for Portland Cement Concrete concrete. The procedure is based on ASTM C143.
First, placed the concrete in the cone and make sure
Sieve size Percent passing the cone is placed on the flat floor. Second, concrete
(%) sample is then divide by three layer before been
placed into the cone. Blow each layer with steel rod
9.5 mm (3/8’’) 100
25 times. Third, take out the cone vertically and then
4.75 mm (No. 4) 95-100 let the concrete move by itself without any vibration.
Finally, take the reading of the slump.
2.36 mm (No. 8) 80-100
1.18 mm (No. 16) 50-85 3.5.2. Static Compressive Strength Test. The
0.60 mm (No. 30) 25-60 compressive strength of the concrete was
determined according to BS 1881:1983-116. Six
0.30 mm (No. 50) 10-30 cubes sized 150x150x150 mm were tested under
0.15 mm (No. 100) 0-10 static compression load using compression machine
at ages 7 days and 28 days for each mix. The
equation used to calculate compressive strength as
Source : ASTM C33 below:
 Ultimate load (kN)
Compression strength = (1)
Cube area (m2 )

3.5.3. Static Split Tensile Strength Test. This test

is conducted in term of finding tensile strength of
concrete. The procedure is followed BS 1881:1983-
117 using six cylinders with diameter 100 mm and
length of 200 mm tested at ages 7 days and 28 days.
The apparatus used is similar like the one used in
compressive strength test. Use the equation below to
get the tensile strength:

2(Load,kN)
Tensile strength (MPa) = (2)
Cylinder area (m2 )

3.5.4. Static Flexural Strength Test. This test has

been carried out to determine the flexural strength of Figure 3.0: Impact Test Drop-weight
the concrete. Six beam samples sized 100x100x500 Source: (Zhu et al. 2015)
mm were tested using two-point loading method at
ages 7 days and 28 days. It is tested using flexure 4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
machine and according to BS 1811:1983-118.
Flexure strength is determined by using below
equation:
4.1. Sieve Analysis Results
Flexure strength
Ultimate load (kN)xBeam length(m) The gradation of coarse and fine aggregate can be
= (3) seen in the Figure 4.0, the sieve analysis curve for
Beam width (m)x(𝐵𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ)2 (𝑚2 )
coarse aggregate and Figure 4.1, for fine aggregate.

3.5.5. Dynamic Properties Using Drop Weight 120

Percent passing (%)

Impact Test. The testing apparatus, illustrated in 100

Figure 3.0 consists of three main components, a 80
base, drop-weight guide system and drop weight. 60
This test has been carried out to determine the 40
ultimate energy absorption of the concrete. Three 20
cylinders with diameter of 100 mm and height of 200 0
mm were tested at age 28 days according to ASTM Takung 4.75 mm 9.50 mm
D7136. Samples were tested by drop the impactor
and record the number of impact if there is cracking Sieve size (mm)
start to propagate and then record again the number
of impact when the samples start to fail. Use the Percent Passing
equation below to get the energy absorption at Maximum Percentage
service and ultimate energy absorption:
Minimum Percentage

Es = mghn (4) Figure 4.0: Percent Passing For Coarse Aggregate

Where; m = weight of drop weight
g = 9.81m/s^2
h = height between sample and apparatus
n = number of impact (N1 )

Eult = mghn (5)

Where, n = number of impact (N2 )
 120 Water absorption 0.67%
Percent passing (%)
100
80
60
4.3. Slump Test Results
40
20
0 This test was conducted to measure the workability
of the mixture.

Table 4.2: Slump Test Result

Sieve size (mm)
Mixture Slump Percentage
Percent Passing (mm) different
Maximum Percentage (%)
Minimum Percentage Plain concrete -SK 36 -

100:0 (2% kenaf) - 25 -30.56

Figure 4.1: Percent Passing For Fine Aggregate S1
50:50 (1% kenaf 27 -25.00
Based on Figure 4.0 and 4.1. It shows that the test
that have been carried out meet the expected results and 1% coir) -S2
and ASTM C33. 60:40 (1.2% kenaf 26 -27.78
and 0.8% coir) -S3
40:60 (0.8% kenaf 29 -19.44
and 1.2% coir) -S4
4.2. Specific Gravity and Water Absorption Results
0:100 (2% coir) -S5 32 -11.11
Table 4.0 shows the properties of coarse aggregate
while Table 4.1 shows the properties of fine
aggregate that has been used in this research.
Based on the mix design procedure, slump value that
Table 4.0: Properties Of Coarse Aggregate been chosen is between 30 to 60 mm. Results that
have been obtained from this test can be seen in
Table 4.2. From the table it showed that the
Properties Value
workability of the concrete decreased as the fibres
Fineness Modulus 1.878 were added in the mixture. This is due to the ability
of the natural fibres to absorb water. From Figure 4.2
Bulk specific gravity 2.726 it shows that coir fiber did not absorb much water as
(dry-oven) compared to kenaf fiber and other hybrid fibers.
Bulk specific gravity 2.739
(SSD)
Apparent specific gravity 2.762 40
35
Water absorption 0.5% 30
Slump (mm)

25
20
15
Table 4.1: Properties Of Fine Aggregate
10
5
Properties Value 0
Fineness Modulus 3.559
Bulk specific gravity 2.488
(dry-oven)
Bulk specific gravity 2.505
(SSD)
Apparent specific 2.530 Figure 4.2: Comparison Slump Value for All Mixes
gravity
 Based on Table 4.3 it shows the average
Al-Bashiri (2016), slump value of HKCFRC compressive strength of 3 cube samples.
decreased as the percentage of hybrid kenaf and coir Compressive strength of single fibre and hybrid
fiber with ratio of 50:50 increase such as at concrete increasing the compressive strength of the
percentage 1%, 3% and 5%, the slump value are concrete.
18.20%, 33.33% and 54.66% compared to control
sample. This show that the slump value depends on
18
15.9
the ratio of hybrid fiber and the percentage of fiber 16
13.7
used.. 14

Percentage increase (%)

11.7
12 10.8
10.2
10
8.1
4.4. Static Test Results 7.4
8
5.5
6
3.9 3.9
4
4.1.1. Static Compressive Strength. All the cubes 2

were tested in a compressive testing machine to 0

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5
determine the compressive strength of the cubes.
Percentage increase (7 days) Percentage increase (28 days)
Compression test of cube specimen are made as soon
as practicable after removal from curing pond. Place
the specimen centrally on the location marks of the Figure 4.3: Percentage Increment in Compressive
compression testing machine and load is applied Strength
continuously, uniformly and without shock. The rate
loading is 0.02 kN/s continuously. The load is
Based on the Figure 4.3 sample that produce the
increased until the specimen fails and record
highest percentage increment in compressive
maximum load carried by the each specimen during
strength is S3 (60:40) up to 10.8% at age 28 days
the test.
which directly shows that this fiber ratio
combination is the optimum one. As shown in
Table 4.3: Average of Compressive Strength
Age Compressive Strength (MPa)
SK S1 S2 S3 S4 S5
7 days 24.22 25.17 27.06 27.54 28.07 26.80
28 days 31.65 32.89 34.22 33.98 35.07 33.40
Figure 4.4, the pattern of increasing in compression
with respect to ages pretty much similar. It is found

4.5. Mechanical Properties

that the optimum mix ratio regarding on
4.1.1. Compressive Strength. All the cubes were compressive strength is S3 with ratio of kenaf and
tested in a compressive testing machine to determine coir fiber (60:40). As the kenaf fiber is generally has
the compressive strength of the cubes. Compression high elastic modulus, it improved the compressive
test of cube specimen are made as soon as strength with some help from the coir fiber produced
practicable after removal from curing pond. Place a synergy composite that satisfies each other
the specimen centrally on the location marks of the weakness and abilities.
compression testing machine and load is applied
continuously, uniformly and without shock. The rate
loading is 0.02 kN/s continuously. The load is
increased until the specimen fails and record
maximum load carried by the each specimen during
the test.
 36.0
7 days 2.34 2.51 2.76 3.13 2.73 2.42
34.0
Compressive strength (MPa)

Increment - 7.3 17.9 33.8 16.7 3.4

32.0
(%)
30.0
28 days 3.30 3.54 3.89 4.52 3.88 3.50
28.0
26.0
Increment - 7.3 17.9 37.0 17.6 6.1
24.0
(%)
22.0
20.0
7 days 28 days
SK 24.22 31.65 Based on Table 4.4 it shows that the addition of
S1 26.68 33.4 kenaf, coir and hybrid fiber can increase the tensile
S2 27.54 33.98 strength of plain concrete. But hybrid fiber shows
S3 28.07 35.07
the better properties rather than single fiber. Hybrid
S4 27.06 34.22
fiber (S3) gives the highest increment up to 37.0%
S5 25.17 32.89
in tensile strength compared to plain concrete. This
shows that the hybridization kenaf and coir fiber at
Figure 4.4: Comparisons for All Mixtures in ratio 60:40 carried all the fiber’s best properties.
Compressive Strength

In Al-Bashiri (2016) research, the compressive

strength of HKCFRC increased as the percentage of Split tensile strength (MPa) 5.0
4.5
hybrid fiber increased until 3% and start to decrease 4.0
at the next percentage. At percentage 1%, 3% and 3.5
5%, the increment in compressive strength 3.0
2.5
compared to control sample are 1.5%, 4.5% and 2.0
7 days 28 days
3.3%. The optimum percentage obtained is at 3%
SK 2.34 3.3
hybrid fiber and it is also found out that hybrid fiber
S1 2.51 3.54
is better than individual fiber. S2 2.76 3.89
S3 3.13 4.52
As a conclusion, based on both researches S4 2.73 3.88
compressive strength of HKCFRC influenced by S5 2.42 3.5
percentage of fiber and also the ratio of hybrid fiber.
Figure 4.5: Comparisons for All Mixtures in Split
4.1.2. Split Tensile Strength. All the cylinders Tensile Strength
will be tested in a compressive testing machine to Figure above shows the pattern of the concrete
determine the split tensile strength of the cylinders. changes with respect to its age in tensile strength. All
Split tensile test of cylinder specimen are made as the mixtures showed almost similar pattern of
soon as practicable after removal from curing pit. increment except for S3, it shows drastically
Centre one of the steel strip along the center of the increased in tensile strength from day 7 to day 28. It
lower platen. Place the specimen on the steel strip is found that the optimum mix ratio regarding on
and align so that line mark on the specimen are tensile strength is S3 with ratio of kenaf and coir
vertically and centered over the steel strip. The fiber (60:40). As the kenaf fiber is has high tensile
second steel strip is placed lengthwise on the strength, it improved the tensile strength and with
cylinder centered on the lines marked on ends of the some help from the coir fiber produced a synergy
cylinder. Then Load is applied continuously, composite that satisfies each other weakness and
uniformly and without shock. The rate loading is abilities.
0.02 kN/s continuously. The load is increased until
the specimen fails and record max load carried by Al-Bashiri (2016), split tensile strength of HKCFRC
the each specimen during the test. increased along with the fiber percentage. The
increment of split tensile strength at 1%, 3% and 5%
Table 4.4: Split Tensile Strength are 1.2%, 14.5% and 26.7% compared to control
sample. It also found out that hybrid fiber gives
Age Split Tensile Strength (MPa)
better result than individual fiber. From that, it can
SK S1 S2 S3 S4 S5
be conclude that split tensile strength of HKCFRC
depends on percentage of fiber and also the ratio of 7.5

Flexural strength (MPa)

hybrid fiber.
7

4.1.3. Flexural Strength. All the beams will be 6.5

tested in flexural testing machine under two point 6

loading to obtain the flexural strength of the beams. 5.5

2 point loading is applied continuously, uniformly 5
7 days 28 days
and without shock. The rate loading is 200 N/s
SK 5.68 6.3
continuously. The load is increased until the S1 5.8 6.49
specimen fails and record max load carried by the S2 5.84 6.59
each specimen during the test. S3 5.91 6.92
S4 5.81 6.52
Based on Table 4.5 the addition of kenaf, coir and S5 5.72 6.49
hybrid fiber prove that they able to increase the
tensile strength of plain concrete. But hybrid fiber
Figure 4.6 Comparisons for All Mixtures in
that showing the best properties rather than single Flexural Strength
fiber. Hybrid fiber (S3) gives the highest increment
up to 9.8% in flexural strength compared to plain Based on Al-Bashiri (2016), flexural strength of
concrete and single fiber concrete. This shows that HKCFRC at 1%, 3% and 5% are 6.54 MPa, 6.6 MPa
the hybridization kenaf and coir fiber at ratio 60:40 and 6.87 MPa with increment of 3.5%, 4.4% and
8.7% compared to control sample. It also stated that
carried all the fiber’s best properties and the hybrid fiber gives better result in flexural strength
optimum proportion. compared to individual fiber. From this research and
Al-Bashiri (2016), the flexural strength of HKCFRC
Table 4.5: Flexural Strength influenced by the ratio of fiber and the percentage of
fiber used.
Age Flexural Strength (MPa)
SK S1 S2 S3 S4 S5
7 days 5.68 5.80 5.84 5.91 5.81 5.72
4.6. Impact Resistance Test
Increment - 2.1 2.8 4.0 2.3 0.7
(%)
28 days 6.30 6.49 6.59 6.92 6.52 6.49 4.5.1 Impact Test Drop-Weight. Cylinders
sample will be tested under dynamic load using
Increment - 3.0 4.6 9.8 3.5 3.0 drop-weight method to determine the ultimate
(%)
energy absorption of the concrete. Place the sample
exactly at the centre of the apparatus. Then, the 1.8
Regarding on figure 4.6, it can be seen that the kg impactor was dropped from height 2.4 m.
pattern of changes in flexural strength are nearly the Observe the first crack and record the number of
same for all the mixtures but S3 showed a slightly impact. Next, record the number of impact when the
different than others. The pattern changes is quite sample start to failure.
high as it reaches age 28 days. The optimum mix
ratio regarding on flexural strength is S3 with ratio Table 4.7 shows the service and ultimate energy
of kenaf and coir fiber (60:40). This is due to high absorption that can be absorbed by the sample before
percentage of tensile strength of kenaf improved the it starting to failure. Based on that result, the addition
of kenaf, coir and hybrid fiber showed the better
flexural strength of HKCFRC.
result rather than plain concrete. It is because, fibre
act as an energy absorber when the concrete exposed
to impact load, it prevent the cracking propagation
and lengthen the time for the concrete to fail.

Table 4.7: Impact test Drop-Weight

Sample 𝐍𝟏 𝐄𝐬 𝐍𝟐 𝐄𝐮𝐥𝐭 Increment
(%)
SK 1 42.38 3 127.14 -
S1 2 84.76 4 169.52 33.3
 S2 3 127.14 5 211.90 66.7 depends on the ratio of fiber and the percentage of
S3 3 127.14 5 211.90 66.7 fiber used.
S4 3 127.14 8 339.03 166.7
S5 3 127.14 6 254.28 100.0
5. CONCLUSION
Figure 4.7 and 4.8 shows the better figure of the
increment in energy absorption. Obviously, the
Based on the objectives set in the present study and
hybrid fiber and coir fiber give the highest increment
the experimental work carried out in the laboratory,
compared to the others. It is different from the static
the following conclusions are drawn.
load test, which state hybrid fiber definitely better
than single fiber. In this case, coir fiber which is As the fiber was added into the mixture, the mix
single fiber react almost the same as the hybrid fiber became more cohesive. Workability decreased as
under the impact load. It is because, coir fiber have the fiber absorb the water especially kenaf fiber
higher ductility, 17 times of kenaf fiber which has high percentage of water absorption
approximately and it also have the highest toughness compared to coir fiber. As compared to plain
amongst other fibers. Hybrid fiber (S4) with ratio concrete, slump decreased 30.56% for KFRC (S1)
40:60 is the optimum composition which gives the and 11.11% for CFRC (S5). HKCFRC (S3), (S4)
highest ultimate energy absorption, 339.03 Nm with and (S5) also decreased the slump value especially
increment of 166.7%. for the (S2) and (S3) that contain high percentage of
kenaf fiber in it.

135 127.14 127.14 127.14 127.14 As for the static test, HKCFRC (S3) with kenaf : coir
Service energy absorption (Nm)

120 ratio of (60:40) gives the highest increment in

105
84.76 compressive strength, split tensile strength and
90
75 flexural strength. This show this mixture is really
60
42.38
optimum that produced the synergy product that can
45 complement to each other. This ratio improved
30
compressive strength by10.8% compared control
15
0 sample while split tensile strength increased
SK S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 drastically up to 37.0% and flexural strength
improved by 9.8%.
Figure 4.7: Service Energy Absorption
Next, for the dynamic test, HKCFRC (S4) with
350
339.03 kenaf : coir ratio of (40:60) gives the highest
increment in ultimate energy absorption up to
Ultimate energy absorption

300
254.28
250
166.7% compared to plain concrete with number of
211.90 211.90
200 169.52
impact of 8. This prove the coir fiber is the toughest
(Nm)

150 127.14 fiber compared to the others and it also has the
100
highest percentage of ductility compared to kenaf
50
fiber. Thus, this mixture is the optimum one which
inherit all the best properties of fibers itself and
0
SK S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 produced the synergy product.
Figure 4.8: Ultimate Energy Absorption As a conclusion, HKCFRC gives the better results
Based on Nurudin (2017), the highest ultimate for static test and also dynamic test. HKCFRC (S3)
energy absorption is at percentage 1% which is is the optimum mixture for static test while
296.7 Nm with increment 75% from control sample. HKCFRC (S4) is the optimum mixture for dynamic
The energy absorption start to decrease at 3% and test. From this, it prove that concrete react
5% which are 253.3 Nm and 211.9 Nm. Thus, it differently under static load and dynamic load.
indicate that at 1% percentage of hybrid fiber is the
optimum. From this two researches, it can be
concluded that the energy absorption of HKCFRC
REFERENCES
 81(7): 17–24.
Al-Bashiri, N. A. 2016. Physical and mechanical
properties of hybrid kenaf and coir fiber BS 12:1996 - Specification for Portland Cement,
reinforced concrete. Master's Thesis, Jabatan Milton Keynes, UK, 2009
Kejuruteraan Awam dan Struktur, Universiti BS 1881-115:1983 - Specification for Compression
Kebangsaan Malaysia. Testing Machines for Concrete, Milton
Al-Masoodi, A. H. H., Kawan, A., Kasmuri, M., Keynes, UK, 2009
Hamid, R. & Khan, M. N. N. 2016. Static and BS 1881-117:1983 - Method for Determination of
dynamic properties of concrete with different Tensile Splitting Strength, Milton Keynes,
types and shapes of fibrous reinforcement. UK, 2009
Construction and Building Materials 104:
247–262. BS 1881-118:1983 - Method for Determination of
Flexural Strength, Milton Keynes, UK, 2009
Ali, M. 2012. Natural fibres as construction
materials. Journal of Civil Engineering and Dungani, R., Karina, M., Sulaeman, A., Hermawan,
Construction Technology 3(3): 80–89. D. & Hadiyane, A. 2016. Agricultural waste
fibers towards sustainability and advanced
Ali, M., Liu, A., Sou, H. & Chouw, N. 2012. utilization : A review. Asian Journal of Plant
Mechanical and dynamic properties of Sciences 15(1): 42–55.
coconut fibre reinforced concrete.
Construction and Building Materials 30: 814– Elsaid, A., Dawood, M., Seracino, R. & Bobko, C.
825. 2011. Mechanical properties of kenaf fiber
reinforced concrete. Construction and
ASTM C33, Standard Specification for Concrete Building Materials 25(4): 1991–2001.
Aggregates, ASTM International, West
Conshohocken, PA, 2018, www.astm.org Eswari, S., Raghunath, P. N. & Suguna, K. 2008.
Ductility performance of hybrid fibre
ASTM C127, Standard Test Method for Relative reinforced concrete. American Journal of
Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Applied Sciences 5(9): 1257–1262.
Coarse Aggregate, ASTM International, West
Conshohocken, PA, 2015, www.astm.org Isman, A. W. 2011. Panel mortar bertetulang gentian
kenaf. Bachelor's Thesis, Fakulti Kejuruteraan
ASTM C128, Test Method for Density, Relative Awam, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of
Fine Aggregate, ASTM International, West Nurudin, M. F. 2017. Sifat-sifat statik dan tenaga
Conshohocken, PA, 2015, www.astm.org penyerapan muktamad konkrit bertetulang
gentian hibrid kenaf & sabut kelapa.
ASTM C143, Standard Test Method for Slump of Bachelor's Thesis, Jabatan Kejuruteraan
Hydraulic Cement Concrete, ASTM Awam dan Struktur, Universiti Kebangsaan
International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2015, Malaysia.
www.astm.org
Ruben, J. S. & Baskar, G. 2014. Experimental study
ASTM C192, Standard Practice for Making and of coir fiber as concrete reinforcement
Curing Concrete Test Specimens in the material in cement based composites. Journal
Laboratory, ASTM International, West of Engineering Research and Applications
Conshohocken, PA, 2016, www.astm.org 4(1): 128–131.
ASTM D7136, Standard Test Method for Measuring Ruby, G. S., Geethanjali, C., Varghese, J. & Priya,
the Damage Resistance of a Fiber-Reinforced P. M. 2014. Influence of hybrid fiber on
Polymer Matrix Composite to a Drop-Weight reinforced concrete. International Journal of
Impact Event, ASTM International, West Advanced Structures and Geotechnical
Conshohocken, PA, 2015, www.astm.org Engineering 03(01): 1–4.
ASTM D570-98. Standard Test Method for Water Shreeshail, B. ., Jaydeep, C., Dhanraj, P. & Amar,
Absorption of Plastics. American Society for K. 2014. Effects of coconut fibers on the
Testing of Materials. ASTM International, properties of concrete. Internation Journal of
West Conshohocken, PA, 2010, Research in Engineering and Technology
www.astm.org 3(12): 5–11.
Baruah, P. & Talukdar, S. 2007. A comparative Solong, A. A. M. 2017. Impact resistance of kenaf
study of compressive, flexural, tensile and fiber reinforced concrete. Bachelor's Thesis,
shear strength of concrete with fibres of Jabatan Kejuruteraan Awam dan Struktur,
different origins. Indian Concrete Journal
 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Vajje, S. & Krishna, N. R. 2013. Study on addition
of the natural fibers into concrete.
International Journal of Scientific &
Technology Research 2(11): 213–218.
Wambua, P., Ivens, J. & Verpoest, I. 2003. Natural
fibres: Can they replace glass in fibre
reinforced plastics? Composites Science and
Technology 63(9): 1259–1264.
Zhu, X. C., Zhu, H. & Li, H. R. 2015. Drop-weight
impact test on U-shape concrete specimens
with statistical and regression analyses.
Materials 8(9): 5877–5890.