Mechanical and Durability Assessment of Concrete Reinforced with Treated and Untreated Ronier Fiber (Borassus Aethiopum)

This study investigates the effect of 1% sodium hydroxide-treated and untreated Ronier fibers (Borassus aethiopum) fibers on concrete’s mechanical and durability properties. Ronier fibers were incorporated into concrete at proportions of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% by volume. The fibers treated with 1% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) underwent chemical modification to enhance their bonding with the cement matrix and improve their durability in aggressive environments. The performance of the concrete was assessed through tests for compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, durability properties such as water absorption, and resistance to sulfuric acid attacks. The results indicated that treatment with 1% sodium hydroxide significantly improved the performance of the fibers. Among the variations studied, concrete reinforced with 1% treated fibers demonstrated the best combination of mechanical and durability properties. The treated fibers increased the concrete’s tensile and flexural strength while maintaining adequate compressive strength. Durability assessments showed that 1% treated fibers effectively reduced water absorption and enhanced resistance to sulfuric acid, improving the concrete’s performance in aggressive environments. Although higher dosages of fibers (1.5%) provided better crack control, they slightly reduced workability and compressive strength. Supplementary Material File (paper mandelot of ronier fiber.docx) - Download - 1.16 MB Information & Authors Information Version history Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Collection

Authors Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 570views 180downloads Citations Download citation MANDELOT-MATETELOT Saint Jacques Le-Majeur, Philip Mogire, Brian ODERO. Mechanical and Durability Assessment of Concrete Reinforced with Treated and Untreated Ronier Fiber (Borassus Aethiopum). Authorea. 09 January 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.173641820.05123446/v1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.173641820.05123446/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu.