Bamboo Fiber Impact on the Long-Term Mechanical Properties of Concrete

This study investigates the impact of bamboo fiber on the long-term performance of concrete. The research assessed slump, density, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, brittleness, cracking, trends, and relationships among mechanical properties. Concrete specimens incorporating 0% to 1.0% bamboo fiber by volume were examined over 365 days. Crack width measurements and regression analysis were performed using ImageJ software and RStudio, respectively. Higher dosages of bamboo fiber reduced the workability, density, and mechanical properties of concrete. However, an optimal bamboo fiber dosage of 0.25% increased the splitting tensile strength by 21.74% and flexural strength by 12.13%, enabling a nearly 20% reduction in the thickness of the ground floor slab. The trend indicated that mechanical properties increased over 365 days; nonetheless, the rate of increase declined as age advanced. Concrete reinforced with bamboo fiber showed higher early-age splitting and flexural strengths; however, higher fiber content reduced these strengths compared to plain concrete. An exponential function models the relationship between mechanical properties. Consequently, the use of bamboo fiber in concrete construction should be encouraged, as it is both an environmentally friendly and sustainable resource.