Properties of Recycled Aggregate Concrete With Luffa Fiber

The increasing need for sustainable construction materials has led to an exploration of alternatives to traditional concrete, including recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and the incorporation of natural fiber. This study investigates the properties of recycled aggregate concrete reinforced with locally sourced luffa fiber, specifically focusing on the compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths. The project aims to assess the performance of RAC in terms of strength, and workability, addressing both environmental and engineering consideration. The experimental approach involved preparing concrete samples with varying percentages of luffa fiber 0f 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% and recycled aggregates of 25%, 50% and 100% respectively. Tests were conducted to measure compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength, using a standard curing period 7 and 28 days for all samples to ensure uniformity. Results from the tests indicate that luffa fiber and recycled aggregate concrete in 1% and 50% additive to concrete has a good compressive strength which is 21.06 N/mm2 at 7 days compared with the others proportion. Furthermore, it also improved in flexural strength in all proportions from 2.0 N/mm2 to 2.1 N/mm2 at 28 days. The results show luffa fiber and recycled aggregate concrete also help in the increment of splitting tensile strength of the concretes from 0.89 N/mm2 to 1.33 N/mm2 at 7 days. In conclusion, this study highlights that recycled aggregate concrete with luffa fiber offers improved tensile and flexural properties, making it a promising alternative for specific structural applications. The findings suggest that while RAC with luffa fiber may not fully replace conventional concrete in all structural uses, it provides an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option in areas where enhanced tensile and flexural strengths are desired.