Effect of Banana Fibers on Mechanical and Physical Properties of Light Weight Concrete Blocks

This work was to investigate the mechanical and physical properties of light weight block with addition of banana fiber. The formulation series of concrete block were divided into two groups: banana fiber for replacing cement and sand, respectively. Banana fibers were varied from 0.0 to 7.5 %wt. and were evaluated by compressive testing, density and water absorption and changing length at water immersion of 28 days. Optimum formulation of concrete adding banana fiber is ratio of sand: cement: lime: gypsum: aluminum powder: banana fibers: 50: 27.5: 9: 9: 2: 2.5, respectively. The increase of water absorption and changing length were found with increase of fiber content whereas the density decreased. However, the mechanical and physical properties of banana fiber/concrete block were subject to standard according to Thai Industrial Standard 1505-2541. From this study, it indicates that banana fiber can be used as an alternative precursor material for producing the light weight and cost effectiveness block.