Experimental Investigation of Concrete Containing Enset Fiber and Cow Dung Ash

Concrete is a fundamental construction material, which faces challenges due to its low tensile strength and the sustainability issues of cement which are the most important ingredients for it. This study investigates the combined effect of partial cement replacement with cow dung ash and the addition of enset fiber on the mechanical properties and mineralogical formation of concrete. Enset fiber is introduced as reinforcement to enhance tensile, flexural, and compressive strength, with 0.5% by mass identified as an optimal percentage after conducting a pilot study with 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%. Meanwhile, cow dung ash from animal waste, known for its pozzolanic properties and lower environmental impact compared to conventional cement production, is explored as a partial replacement material. Results show that a 10% replacement ratio of cement with cow dung ash, coupled with 0.5% enset fiber gives improved compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths of 35.88MPa, 4.37MPa, and 3.14MPa, respectively. Mineralogical analysis reveals the formation of calcite, portlandite, calcium silicate hydrate gel, halloysite, and ettringite, indicating enhanced concrete performance at this composition. Overall, this study presents an alternative approach to concrete production, offering both mechanical property enhancement and workability benefits through the integration of cow dung ash and enset fiber.