CONCRETE BASED ON CARROT FIBERS TO POTENTIALIZE ITS MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

Natural fibers have been used as a form of reinforcement in concrete in many countries for housing since they have this resource in abundance. Therefore, knowing that carrot fiber is a vegetable fiber that is abundant in many parts of Ecuador, the present research demonstrates the improvement of the mechanical properties of concrete, such as workability, durability, consistency, costs and a reduction of the environmental impact. The province of Chimborazo is the largest producer of this tuber, with Colta, Guamote and Chambo producing 10,300 tons.

With the results obtained from the tests on specimens of a total of 32 units, it was determined that the only mixtures that presented resistance to the minimum compressive strength tested were specimens that contained an amount of fiber of 1% in relation to the samples that did not contain carrot fiber.  A resistance of over 240 kg/cm2 was determined, giving a positive effect with the incorporation of carrot fiber to the concrete, the effect obtained is a good adherence of the fiber to the cementitious matrix and prevents cracks from progressing in the concrete when tested.