Enhancing light weight paper crete with banana fiber

Abstract

The construction industry is responsible for the depletion of large amounts of nonrenewable resources. This activity generates not only millions of tons of mineral waste but also millions of tons of carbon dioxide gas emissions. Therefore, research about building materials based on renewable resources like vegetable fibers is needed. The availability of paper Crete and banana fibers as raw materials, low energy consumption and the simplicity of the production process will justify their extensive usage as primary housing material. Fiber inclusion enhances the strength and performance of the construction blocks. Cement, sand, paper Crete and banana fiber in the mix proportion of 1:1:0.8:0.2, 1:1:0.8:0.35, 1:1:0.8:0.50 and fiber length of 20mm,35mm and 50mm were used. For each of the mix proportions considered, water absorption and compressive strength increased with increasing fiber content. Highest compressive strength of 8.99N/mm2 was recorded at 50mm length and 0.20% fiber quantity. Density of paper Crete decreased with increase in the quantity of fiber. Paper Crete was recommended to be an effective and sustainable material for the production of light weight and fire-resistant solid blocks to be used to make partition walls of especially high-rise buildings.