Investigation into the Dynamic Properties of Jute Fibre Reinforced Concrete

Abstract

Concrete as construction material has been marked with little resistance to crack, low tensile strength and limited ductility. Corrosion in reinforcing steel is also a major problem faced in reinforced concrete construction, which significantly affect the life and strength of concrete structures. Thus, the research aimed at investigating the dynamic properties of jute fibre reinforced concrete. Randomly dispersed jute fibres were added to concrete of grade 20 MPa in varying percentage range of 0 to 2% in step of 0.5 by weight of concrete. Concrete specimens of cube size (120 × 120 × 120) mm3 were cast from the mix and cured for 28 days. The impact resistance of Jute Fibre Reinforced Concrete (JFRC) was investigated using falling dart machine. The results depicted that 2% JFRC at 14 days age of curing had the highest average number of blows, impact energy and impact strength of 115, 4098.60 kNmm and 284.63 N/mm2, respectively compared to control (0% jute fibre) at 14 days curing age of 27, 962.28 kNmm and 66.83 N/mm2, respectively. The impact strength of JFRC increases with increase percentage dosage of jute fibre. The increase in jute fibre content in the concrete further increase the number of blows as well as impact energy required for the final failure of the concrete. The inclusion of jute fibre to concrete abetted as crack arrestor, and substantially improved the concrete dynamic properties.