Effect of Pineapple Leaf Fiber on Flexural Performance and Chloride Diffusion in Concrete

Abstract

This research aims to examine how Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PALF) affects the chloride diffusion and mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fiber reinforced concrete (PLFRC). The PALF content was 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 percent by volume. The PLFRC mixes was compared to a normal concrete (NC) with the compressive strength of 30 MPa at 28 days of age. They were moist cured for 28, 56, and 90 days. Then the rapid chloride migration, compression, and flexure test were followed respectively to determine chloride diffusion, compressive strength, and flexural performance. From the flexure test results, it was found that the addition of PALF results in crack bridging and deflection softening behavior after concrete starts cracking. Nonetheless, the PALF also causes the increase of chloride diffusion coefficient and the decrease of workability, density, and compressive strength in pineapple leaf fiber reinforced concrete.