Ismail :Compressive and Tensile Strength of fibre-reinforced Cement base

Compressive and Tensile Strength of

Natural Fibre-reinforced Cement base Composites

Dr M. A. Ismail
Physics Department , College Of Education , Mosul University - Iraq

Abstract:

This paper describes the effect of the addition of various volume fraction (0-
4%) of short natural fibres on the behavior of the composites. An experimental work
has been carried out to study the mechanical properties of Roselle fibre-reinforced
cement composites. The results show that the tensile strength of composite increases,
(this increase in strength is about 53%), while the compressive strength decreases as
the fibre volume fraction is increased.
Keywords: Cement , Composites ,Compression , Mechanical Properties Natural
Fibre ,Roselle Fibre, Strength, Tensile.

ŘŒŧŞƂƃŒ Żœƒƃœŕ ŗšƄŪƆƃŒ ŗƒřƈƆŪƙŒ ŘœŽƃŌƆƄƃ ŗƒűœźŰƈƙŒƍ ťŬƃŒ ŗƆƍœƀƆ

¾ƒŵœƆŪŒ ťƆšŒ ťƍƆšƆ .ť

žŒŧŶƃŒ / ¾ŮƍƆƃŒ/ ŇœƒŨƒŽƃŒ ƅŪſ / ŗƒŕŧřƃŒ ŗƒƄƂ / ¾ŮƍƆƃŒ ŗŶƆœŞ

: ŗŮƚŤƃŒ
Ƒ»Ɔŷ ŚƊƈŬƛŔ ƑƅŔ ŽŕƔƅƛŔ Ɖƈ (4%-0)řžŕŲƈƅŔ řƔœŪŠƅŔ řƔƈŠţƅŔ ŖŬƊƅŔ ũƔŝōś řŬŔũŧƅŔ ƋŨƍ ŽŰś
řţƆŬ»ƈƅŔ řƔśƊƈ»ŬƛŔ ŚŕſƅŎƈƆƅ řƔƄƔƊŕƄƔƈƅŔ ůŔƏŦƅŔ řŬŔũŧƅ řƔƆƈŷ řŗũŠś ŧŔŧŷŔ Ƈś .řƔśƊƈŬƛŔ ŚŕſƅŎƈƅŔ ƃƏƆŬ
ŧƏŠƏ ŘŧŕƔŪ ŧƊŷ %53 ƑƅŔ ŕƔŠƔũŧś ŧŔŧŪś ŧŮƅŔ řƈƏŕƂƈ ƉŌ ƓƄƔƊŕƄƔƈƅŔ ůţſƅŔ şœŕśƊ Ɖƈ ƉƔŗś žŚŔũŠƄƅŔ ŽŕƔƅōŗ
.ŕƔŠƔũŧś ¿Ƃś řƔųŕżŲƊƛŔ řƈƏŕƂƈƅŔ ŕƈƊƔŗ žŚƊƈŬƛŔ ƑƅŔ ŽŕƔƅƛŔ Ɖƈ řƔœŪŠƅŔ řƔƈŠţƅŔ ŖŬƊƅŔ

Received 24 July 2005 Accepted 27 June 2006

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Al-Rafidain Engineering Vol.15 No.2 2007

Introduction:
Roselle fibres extracted from fibrous tissues of Roselle plant trunk, grows in
very large areas in southern Iraq, their diameters of fibres vary from 0.015 mm to
0.025mm and their lengths depend on the fibrilation process as in the case with sisal
or jute fibres.
The major advantage of fibre reinforcment is to impart additional energy
absorbing capability and to transform a brittle material into a pseudoductile material .
Fibres in cement or in concrete serve as crack arrestor which can create a stage of
slow crack propagation and gradual faillure [1].
The use of natural fibres for strengthing of brittle materials is very old, for
example, reeds embeded in asphalt were used in the walls of ancient Babylon as a
mortar binder for brick work [2].
It has been pointed out [3] , [4]. that low modulus fibres such as natural and
synthetic organic fibres, when added to cement paste and concrete, do not produce
composites with tensile or compressive strength significantly greater than that of the
matrix as do high modulus fibres such as steel, carbon and glass.
Previous researchs have also referred to such advantages imparted by the
natural fibres to the concrete material [5], [6].. Recent studies [7]. have described the
results of a comprehensive exprimental evaluation of the fresh and mechanical
properties of Coir-fibre composite with gravel-concrete as the matrix phase. An
exprimental study was also carried out to improve the mechanical properties of
gypsum hemihydrate joists reinforced with date palm fibres [8].
The present paper reports on the effect of the addition of various volume
fraction of low modulus natural fibres on the behaviour of cement composites. Effects
of Roselle fibres reinforcement in combination with cement to the ultimate
compressive and tensile strengths behaviour are discussed . A cheap low modulus
fibre may be used for the manufacture of structral units with cement-paste or cement-
mortar composites have great potential, especilly for developing contries.

2-Experimeatal program
2-1 materials and specimens prepretion:
A locally manufacured (in kobaysat) ordinary portland cement (OPC) was
used as the binding material. Sieve analysis for the grading curve and finenss test
were conducted as well as the determination of its moisture and with specific gravity
of (3.15). The chemical analysis of the cement used is shown in Table-1.
The natural fibres used in this investigation were Roselle fibres with an
average length of (8-10mm) and obtained from a Roselle plant trunk, whose scientific
name is Hibiscus Subdariffa. L., it belongs to Malvaceas Family. The fibres soaked in
water for four weeks, and afterwards the fibres were manually extracted into fine long
fibres and their density is 0.75 gm/cm3 . The fibre diameter varied from 0.015mm to

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 Ismail :Compressive and Tensile Strength of fibre-reinforced Cement base

Table 1: Chemical Analysis of (OPC) Cement.

Contents
(%) (SiO2) (CaO) (MgO) (Fe2O) (AL2O3) (SO3) (C3A) (L.S)

21.36 60.08 4.7 3.14 5.24 2.25 8.58 0.86

Table 2: Comparison between Mechanical Properties for Roselle [9], Date-palm [8],
Coconut [10], Reed [11], Sisal fibres [12].

Water Modulus Tensile

Fibre Type Density (kg/m3) Absorption Elasticity Strength
(%) E(GPa) (MPa)
Roselle 800-750 40-50 10-17 170-350
Date Palm 463 60-65 70 125-200
Coconut 145-380 130-180 19-26 120-200
Reed 490 100 37 70-140
Sisal 800-700 56 15 268

0.025mm. Table-2; shows a comparison between Roselle fibres, Date-Palm fibers,

Coconut fibres, Reed fibres and Sisal fibres, each material type being considered as a
feasible reinforeing material.
The fibre-reinforcement with the cement past composites was used with low
water to cement ratio (w/c) of 0.32 in order to minimise segragation of the low
density natural fibres. Air dried fibres were used in weight fraction ranging from 0.25
percent to 3.0 percent(or in volume fraction ranging from (0.33-4) percent).The
cement paste an fibres were mixed in this study using a regular Pan-Mixer of type
(Mixer-3 speed HOBART).The mixing procedure for each weight fraction adopted
was as follows:
(1). The required amount of cement (by weight) was put in pan-mixer and mixed at
low speed (2).The required amount of fibres was added little by little in cement as the
mixer was running at low speed over a period of 10 minutes. until a uniform dry
mixture is achieved.
(3). The required amounte of mixing water was gradually added into mixture as the
mixer was running of low speed for about 2 minutes.
(4). The mixer was then turned to medium speed over a period of 2 minutes
depending on the fibre content, taking care that no fibre balls are formed. (5) The
mixing was finalized at high speed for 2 minutes. It has been noted that the fibre
reinforced cement composites with relatively low fibre contents were used in this

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Al-Rafidain Engineering Vol.15 No.2 2007
investigation and all fibres were uniformly distributed and randomly oriented with
cement paste. The procedure aimed to achieve a uniform distribution of fibres
between the specimens .
2.2 Experimental series :
Three Series of fibre – reinforced cement composites were casted :
Series 1, (for compressive strength): The cubic moulds of the 50 x 50 x 50 mm were
casted into two layers and manually compacted, according to methods
(ASTM-C109-88)[13]. The number of specimens for each weight fraction was = 6
Series 2: (for temsil strength): The moulds were 25x25x75 mm casted and manually
compacted. The number of Specimens for each weight fraction was = 3
Serie 3, (for density measurment): Three specimens of the 50x50x50mm sizes were
taken from series 1 for density measurment which was obtained by methods Laid
down in (ASTM-C220-75)[14].
All specimens in series 1, 2 and 3, were covered in the moist room (23 qC and RH
of over 95%) until demoulding 24 hours later, after which the specimens were kept in
a controlled temperature water tank (2q1r2qC) until testing at 28 days.
2-3 Specimens Testing methods:
The ultimate compressive strenght test for specimens of 50x50x50 mm, was
obtained by using a testing machine of type TONI TECHNICK of 600N Capacity
while the direct tensile strength test for specimens of 25x25x75 mm was obtained by
using a testing machine of type (MATR –134 – 3 – 80 of RUM – 220Ib/in2 (1.5
MPa)– 1100Ib (4.9 kN) Capacity .

3 - Result and Discussion:

3.1 Ultimate Compressive Strength test :
The results of series 1 and Series 2 for compressive strength and bulk density
are shown in Fig-1(a). The compressive strength and bulk density are slightly
increased in value with low fibre content in range (0.3 – 1.5%) as compared with the
cement paste with no fibre, and the highest strength and density are obtained at the
fibre–cement ratio of 0.3%. The increase in compressive strength and bulk density
may be due to the good homogeny and high compaction between the fibres and the
cement matrix. However, the compressive strength of specimens increased with the
increase in density, this can be explained by the fact that the composites have higher
density, and this might be due to the decrease in air void and low porosity . However,
as the fibre content exceeds the value of 1.5%, the compressive strength and the bulk
density decrease. In general, when the fiber cement ratio exceeds the value of 1.5% ,
a reduction in compressive strength of about 8.5% for every 0.5% fiber volume
increase occurred. This is very similar to a reduction in strength of about 10% for
every 0.5% fibre volume increase occurred was reported by (Shimizo and Jorillo Jr,

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 Ismail :Compressive and Tensile Strength of fibre-reinforced Cement base

Table.3. The Mechanical and Physical Properties of Composites.

Fibre-Cement Ratio (F/c)% Bulk density Compressive Tensile

By Weight By Volume (gm/cm3) Strength strength
(MPa) (MPa)
0 0 1.896 57.5 6.4
0.25 0.3 1.904 59.7 5.6
0.5 0.66 1.894 58.9 7.15
0.75 1.0 1.890 57.9 7.5
1.0 1.33 1.884 57.7 8.6
1.5 2.0 1.878 53.3 9.2
2.0 2.67 1.852 49.2 9.64
3.0 4.0 1.825 42.9 9.8

1992).Such reduction in strength and density may be attributed to increasing porosity

and air void which brought about insufficient compaction of the high fibre content
mixture. However, from the values listed in Table 3, it can be seen that compressive
strenght and the bulk density of composites are gradually decreased with increasing
fibre content, therefore, the compressive streagth of the Roselle fibre-cement
composite is a function of the bulk density. During the test it was observed that the
failure of specimen was gradual, and in spite of the occurrence of excessive vertical
cracks, the specimen still did not break into pieces (i.e retain its integrity) when
compared with the cement paste with no fibre. A regression analysis correlating the
composite compressive strength (VCc) was correlated with the fibre reinforcing
volume (Vf) in the form of composite mechanics approach. The correlation
coefficient (R) of the best fit-line shown in Fig.1(b) is 95.5%

VCc=60.925 – 4.1952 Vf (R=0.955)……..(1)

Where the subscripts c and f refer to a particular property of the composite and fiber
respectively.

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65 1.92
60
55 1.9
Compressive Strength (MPa)

50

Bulk Density (gm/cm3)

45 1.88
40
1.86
35
30
1.84
25
20 1.82
15
10 Com pressive Strength
1.8
5 Bulk density

0 1.78
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5

Fiber – Cement Ratio (%) by Volume

Fig. 1(a): Influence of Fibre-Cement Ratio on Compressive
Strength and Bulk Density of Fibre-Cement Composite.

70

60
Compressive Strength (MPa)

50

40 ı Cc 60.925`4.1952Vf
30 (R= 0.954)
y = 60.925- 4.1952x
20
2
R = 0.9103
10

0
0 1 2 3 4 5

Fiber – Cement Ratio by Volume (Vf %)

Fig. 1(b): Correlation between Compressive Strength and Fibre Reinforcing

Volume in the form of Composite Mechanics Approach .

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 Ismail :Compressive and Tensile Strength of fibre-reinforced Cement base

3.2 Direct tensile strength test:

The results of series 2 and series 3 for tensile strength and bulk density are
shown in Fig.2(a). At lower fiber volume content of 0.3%, the tensile strength seemed
to decrease,while the bulk density is increased to the maximum, possibly due to the
high compaction between the fibre and the cement. However, when the fibre content
exceeds the value of 0.3% the bulk density gradually decreases, while the tensile
strength is increased. Although, the typical relationship between the fibre-cement
ratio and tensile strength produce a quite low increase in strength, the general
tendency shows enhancement in strength at 28 days age, and indicates a marked
increase of about 53% in the ultimate tensile strength.This is very similar to the 18%
in the ultimate tensile strength reported by (Shimizo and Jorillo Jr, 1992)[13]. Hence,
a regression analysis using a linear fit- line equation was carried out to correlate the
ultimate tensile strength (Vtc) with fiber reinforcing volume (Vf) in the form of
composite mechanics approach. The correlation coefficient (R) of the best fit-line
showen in Fig.2(b) is 89.8%

Vtc = 6.4134+1.0494 Vf (R=0.898) ………(2)

3.3 Relationship between Compressive and tensile strengths

The typical relationship between Compressive and tensile strengths is shown
in Fig.3. It seemes that the lower fibre content in range (0-1.5%) has approximately
the same high values of compressive strength, while the tensile strength increases.
When the fibre content exceeds the value of 1.5%, the compressive strength indicates
a marked decrease, while the tensile strength marginally increases.

4. Conclusions:
Simple addition of short efficient natural low modulus fibres to cement matrix
overcomes their brittle behaviour permitting a ductile behaviour in both compression
and tensile tests , while retaining the very high strength of the cement paste. The
composites of Roselle fibre-reinforcement improve the avoidance of bulk shattering
required in the presence of the external load, and also improve its superiority in
certain applications.In general, the increase in tensile strength of composites is found
about 53%.

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Al-Rafidain Engineering Vol.15 No.2 2007
12 1.92

10 1.9

Bulk Density (gm/cm3)

Tensile Strength (MPa)

1.88
8
1.86
6
1.84
4
1.82
Tensile Strength
2 1.8
Bulk Density

0 1.78
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5

Fiber – Cement Ratio (%) by Volume

Fig. 2 (a): Influence of Fibre-Cement Ratio on Tensile
Strength and Bulk Density of Fibre-Cement Composite

12

10

8
Tensile Strength (MPa)

V tc 6.4134  1.0494Vf
4
y = 6.4134+1.0494x

2 R2 = 0.807
(R = 0.898 )
0
0 1 2 3 4 5

Fiber – Cement Ratio by Volume (Vf %)

Fig. 2(b): Correlation between Tensile Strength and Fibre Reinforcing Volume
in the Form of Composite Mechanics Approach

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 Ismail :Compressive and Tensile Strength of fibre-reinforced Cement base

65
Compressive Strength (MPa)

60

55

50

45

40
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Tensile Strength (MPa)

Fig. 3: Relationship between Compressive and Tensile Strengths, for various Fibre
Cement Ratio (Vf%)

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Al-Rafidain Engineering Vol.15 No.2 2007
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