Effect of Steel Fibre Reinforcement on the compressive strength of Natural Aggregate Concrete

Abstract

The goal of this research is to investigate whether steel fibre (extracted from waste tyre) has a significant influence on compressive strength of concrete produced using Natural Aggregate (NA). Iron molds measuring 150 x 150 x 150mm were used for concrete casting, they were demolded after 24 hours and cured in a curing tank for seven (7) and twenty-eight (28) days. The cubes were tested for compressive strength using a Universal testing machine. The results showed that concrete reinforcement using steel fibres improves the compressive strength of the concrete, allowing it to withstand fracture. The steel fibres were added in three different lengths (2, 4 and 6cm) incorporating three percentage (%) volumes (0.5%, 1% and 1.5%). The average compressive strengths of the fibre reinforced NA concrete with 0% volume of steel fibres (control mix) at curing ages of 7 and 28 days were determined to be 16.39 N/mm2 and 19.64 N/mm2 respectively. The highest 28 days compressive strength of 27.19 N/mm2 was recorded with 4 cm fibre length at 0.5% fibre content which signified a 36.36% percentage gain in the 28 days compressive strength of the concrete.