Investigation of the Mechanical Behavior of Geopolymer Concrete Reinforced with Cellulose Fibres
| International Journal of Civil Engineering |
| © 2026 by SSRG - IJCE Journal |
| Volume 13 Issue 3 |
| Year of Publication : 2026 |
| Authors : Ashita Mohammed Ajmin, Rajarethinam Roselin |
10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I3P110
How to Cite?
Ashita Mohammed Ajmin, Rajarethinam Roselin, "Investigation of the Mechanical Behavior of Geopolymer Concrete Reinforced with Cellulose Fibres," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 144-159, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I3P110
Abstract:
Geopolymer Concrete (GPC) is a sustainable material that severely threatens the ordinary Portland cement concrete OPC. Further enhancement is required, which cannot be done with GPC. By adding natural cellulose fibres, we can find a likely solution; however, it is not known if Banyan and Sisal cellulose fibres can affect GPC. The study analyses the effect of these fibres on the fresh, mechanical, durability, and thermal properties of M40 grade geopolymer concrete. The binder weight had fiber contents that differed from 0 to 3%. Evaluations incorporated workability, Compressive Strength (CS), split Tensile Strength (TS), Flexural Strength (FS), resistance to sulphate, salt, and acid attack, water absorption, permeability, and high temperature performance. The findings reveal that the optimum dosages of fibre significantly improved CS by a maximum of 11.3%, TS by 76.9% and FS by 9.5%. Results of durability tests showed that the water absorption of the concrete block decreased by more than 48% and permeability by almost 24%. In addition, more significant thermal resistance was noted as Sisal cellulose fibres were used, and at high temperatures, this resulted in more efficiency. High levels of fibre content (>2%) caused agglomeration, affecting performance. All in all, natural cellulose fibres are a good reinforcement for GPC. Two percent of Banyan cellulose fibres is optimized for mechanical strength and permeation levels. One per cent Sisal cellulose fibres provide chemical and thermal resistance. The results indicate that natural cellulose fibres can be a promising alternative for developing eco-friendly high-performance concrete for structural applications in extreme environmental conditions.
Keywords:
Geopolymer Concrete, Banyan cellulose fibre, Sisal cellulose fibre, Natural fibre.
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