ANALYTICAL MODEL FOR THE PREDICTION OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF PINEAPPLE LEAF FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAM

In recent years, the field of concrete technology has undergone several changes. One of them is the addition of natural fibres to the concrete. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in utilizing natural fibres for low-cost construction materials. Natural fibers are far more suggested than synthetic ones for reasons of environmental protection. Also, in the construction industry, various additives are being used to form various mixtures to enhance various mechanical properties better than those of conventional concrete. Pineapple leaf fibre is a more compatible natural fibre resource and has a good chemical composition and the highest tensile strength. It is used as a reinforcing material in place of steel in concrete to achieve better results when compared to other natural fibres also used as a reinforcing material in place of steel in concrete. In this study, physical properties such as specific gravity, sieve analysis, water absorption test, and fineness of materials for cement, fine aggregate, and coarse aggregate were studied. The experimental and analytical studies are done. The ultimate load-carrying capacity of the beam was compared with the nominal reinforced cement concrete. The rule of mixture equations was used for analysis to predict the compressive and flexural strengths of the pineapple leaf fibre concrete.