Potential External Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beam Using Natural Fiber Composite Plate

Abstract

A study has been conducted to investigate the potential use of mengkuang leaves or Pandanus atrocarpus bonded with epoxy resin as external strengthening material for the strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Physical and mechanical properties as well as structural properties of the mengkuang leaves-epoxy composite plates (MLECP) were evaluated in this study. Chemical treatment was performed on the dried mengkuang leaves using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with concentrations of 2%, 5% and 8%. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and flexural strength tests were conducted on the mengkuang leaves and flexural specimens, respectively. All the beams were tested to failure under four-point loading. Results showed that the flexural strength of the composite with 0.3 fiber volume ratio exhibited the highest flexural strength. Strengthening of RC beam using MLECP managed to increase the beam capacity.