Comparative study on the performance of caryota urens fiber reinforced concrete of different grades along with Digital image processing techniques

This research work focuses on the effect of natural caryota urens plant fiber as reinforcement on the strength properties of concrete of different grade. Fiber length of 10 mm, 20 mm and 30 mm were added to the concrete mix at an amount of 3% of the binder content. Three different lengths of fibers at fixed volume fraction were added to M30, M40 and M50 grades of concrete. The workability characteristics and mechanical property of twelve different fiber reinforced concrete mixes were investigated.  The effect of fibers on the post cracking behaviour of the concrete specimen was investigated using digital image processing technique and video measuring system images.  Using the developed Linear regression plot, empirical equations were formulated to establish relation between the compressive strength and other mechanical properties of concrete. From the study it can be concluded that the caryota fiber with rich cellulose content contribute to arrest the cracks at the initial stage of loading and prevents major crack plane in the post peak region. Fibers mainly contribute to increase tensile strength of concrete. The effect of fibers is more prominent in M30 mix concrete when compared to M40 and M50 concrete mixes. This research work mainly focuses on the application of natural plant fibers in concrete as reinforcement.