This study investigates the mechanical properties and environmental benefits of reinforced concrete incorporating taro stem fibers as an admixture. The research focused on the compressive strength and flexural strength of the concrete samples with varying volumes of taro fibers. Experimental analyses are conducted to assess the impact of taro fiber reinforcement on the strength and characteristics of concrete structures. The experiments entail three distinct groups, each subjected to varying curing periods. Within each group. three specimens undergo different fiber loadings for both flexure and compression tests, alongside a control group featuring plain concrete. This methodology yields a total of 12 beams molded into a 15cm x 15cm x 50cm form for flexural tests and 12 cylinders molded into a 10cm diameter x 20cm height form for compression tests.

Results showed a higher compressive strength compared to standard concrete mixture with sample B-3 (30Occ of taro fiber), and C-3 (450cc of taro fiber) recording a value of 10.93 MPa and 16.45 MPa which are 2.24% and 53.88% respectively higher than the control. However, the sample D-3 (600cc of taro fiber) has a lower compressive strength of 8.4 MPa compared to control with 10.69 MPa which is 21.429% decreased from standard concrete mixture. Corresponding to the flexural strength, all samples B-3(300cc of taro fiber), C-3(450cc of taro fiber), and D-3 (600 cc of taro fiber) have a higher flexural strength than the control having a value of 2.91 MPa, 2.74 MPa, and 3.00 MPa, respectively. Sample D-3 with 600cc of taro fiber has the highest flexural strength of 3.00 MPa which is 32.15% higher than the control. The said results were taken from the 28th day of curing.

The study concludes that taro stem fibers can effectively enhance the mechanical properties of concrete and serve as a sustainable alternative to conventional fiber reinforcement.

Research paper (Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering)

Includes bibliographical references and appendices