This research determined the effects of using banana fibers in the flexural strength and load bearing capacity of concrete with banana fiber compared to the normal or conventional concrete. The experimental phase of the research included testing of 18 samples; three samples of the normal concrete and 5 samples each of 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% of the Banana fiber reinforced concrete (BFRC). The main variables considered in the experimental program were the percentage of banana fiber, constant type of concrete mix and length of 30mm banana fiber, and also the constant curing age.
The samples were generated in two major processes; the extraction of banana fiber manually (tuxing and separating the fiber by scraping the pseudo stem), and mixing of concrete by casting and curing of concrete.
The results of this study indicated that the variation in the flexure strength of concrete and load bearing capacity of concrete depended mainly on the banana fiber percentage. It was found that the flexural strength and load bearing capacity of concrete increased by increasing the percentage of banana fiber from 0 to 0.5%, while increasing in the strength started to vanish when approached to 1% of fiber.

Thesis (Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering)

Includes bibliographical references and appendices