Experimental Study on the Strength Behavior of Concrete Reinforced with Cornhusk Fiber

Concrete is widely recognized as one of the most durable construction materials; however, it is often exposed to harsh environmental conditions that can compromise its mechanical performance. This experimental study evaluated and compared the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced concrete incorporating cornhusk fiber (CHF) and glass fiber (GF) under varying loads and environmental exposures. Three levels of CHF (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% by mass of cementitious material) and an optimized GF dosage (0.1% by volume of concrete) were examined. Concrete cylinder specimens were cast and monitored for structural performance over 75 and 150 days under two exposure conditions: laboratory-controlled (in-lab) and natural outdoor environments. The mechanical properties assessed included compressive strength and splitting tensile strength. The findings indicated that concrete reinforced with 0.1% GF (GFRC) exhibited the highest 28-day compressive strength among all samples. Among CHF-reinforced concrete (CHFRC) mixtures, the 0.5% CHF dosage demonstrated superior 28-day compressive strength compared to other CHFRC mixtures. Over time, the 0.5% CHFRC mixture consistently exhibited the highest strength gains under both in-lab and outdoor conditions. In the context of tensile strength testing, GFRC (0.1%) exhibited optimal performance at the 28-day mark. However, among the CHFRC samples, the 1.5% CHFRC mixture demonstrated the highest splitting tensile strength at the 28-day interval. At the 150-day mark of outdoor exposure, the 0.5% CHFRC mixture surpassed all other specimens, including GFRC, thereby underscoring its remarkable long-term performance under natural environmental conditions. These findings underscore the potential of 0.5% CHFRC for practical applications, offering an optimal balance of durability and mechanical strength, particularly under prolonged exposure to environmental stresses.