Mechanical Properties of Cement Composites Incorporating Oil Palm Stem Fiber

Abstract

With the increasing building activities in both developed and developing countries, there has been a growing concern to convert the agricultural and industrial waste to a construction material. Researches since decades ago have shown that the addition of fibers into the cement matrix enhanced the physical and mechanical behavior of mortar and concrete. This paper discusses the properties and usage of oil palm stem fiber as discrete reinforcing material in cement matrix. Cement mortar mixes containing 1–4 % fiber were made to investigate workability, water absorption and strength of the matrix. Test specimen comprising of cube, cylinder and beam were cast and tested for compressive, tensile and flexural strength respectively following ASTM standards. Laboratory test results reveal that the workability of cement mortar decreases with the increase of oil palm stem fiber. The water absorption capacity on the other hand was found to increase with the increasing amount of fiber content. Regarding strength, the compressive strength has been found to increase up to certain limit of 3 % fiber content, beyond which the strength decreased gradually. The tensile and flexural strength of the mortar matrix, however, showed a positive response in terms of fiber content. Results obtained and the observations made in the study suggest that oil palm stem fiber can effectively be used in producing lightweight construction materials.