EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF BANANA FIBRES BLENDED REINFORCED CONCRETE

The search for sustainable and environmentally friendly construction materials has increased interest in the use of natural fibres in concrete production. Banana fibre is one of the natural fibres that has shown potential for improving the performance of concrete due to its availability, low cost, and reinforcing ability. This study evaluates the performance characteristics of banana fibres blended reinforced concrete. The study investigates the effect of incorporating banana fibres into blended concrete on important engineering properties such as workability, compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and durability. Concrete specimens may be prepared with varying percentages of banana fibre and tested using standard laboratory procedures. The findings are expected to show that the inclusion of banana fibres affects the performance of concrete in different ways. Moderate fibre content may improve crack resistance, tensile strength, and flexural behaviour, while excessive fibre addition may reduce workability and compressive strength due to poor compaction and fibre clustering. The study concludes that banana fibres can serve as useful reinforcing materials in blended concrete when properly proportioned. It recommends further optimization of fibre content and treatment methods to improve concrete performance for practical construction use.