The use of oil palm fiber as an additive in concrete

Thesis Abstract

This study on strength development of concrete quality and properties using oil palm fiber was carried out to enhance and improve the quality and properties of concrete by using additive. Additive is substances added to fresh concrete to typically improve its properties. The research was conducted to establish the effect of oil palm fiber addition on workability, density and compressive strength of concrete. The mixes were prepared with fiber cement ratio of 0%, 0.25%, 0.50% and 1.0% respectively. A total of 16 concrete cubes. Specimens of 150mm X 150mm X 150mm were prepared for compressive strength testing after been cured in water for 7 days and 28 days. Workability of the concrete decreased with the increase in fiber content added to the mix. The result of density test shows that the highest density of 2.97g/cm3 was achieved when 0.25% fiber was added. Test results of compressive strength on concrete also demonstrated that of 19.6 N/mm2   and 25.65 N/mm2 addition of 0.25% fiber content to concrete gave the highest compressive strength. The compressive strengths with the addition of 0.25% fiber content gave higher values than the control mixes of both 7 days and 28 days. It is therefore recommended that 0.25% fiber can be added to concrete mix.