Improving Concrete Strength using Jute Fiber Reinforcement with Surface Treatments

The significance of concrete in the construction sector may include strength and durability, but because of the low tensile strength and the cracking tendencies, its applicability is severely limited on many occasions. Fibers are also finding their way into concrete to counter such problems by enhancing their tensile strength, crack-bridging capacity, and general durability. This paper reflects on the effects of jute fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties of concrete, in this case, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and workability. M20-grade concrete was mixed with jute fibers at 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% volume fractions and treated with three different methods: alkali (6% NaOH), acidic (2% HCl), and hot water (80–100°C). Workability of the concrete was determined by carrying out a slump test, and the mechanical behavior of the concrete by the compressive and split tensile strength tests. It was found that by the addition of the jute fibers, there was a decrease in the workability of the mixture, such that an increase in fiber content resulted in a decrease in the slump. The alkali treatment enhanced workability and fiber dispersion, whereas the acidic treatment had the greatest impact on the reduction of workability since the fibers are degraded in the acidic treatment. As far as strength is concerned, alkali-treated jute fibers resulted in the best improvements on compressive and split tensile strength, especially for low fiber contents. Untreated and acidic-treated fibers, on the other hand, were weaker, especially at higher contents, because fibers did not disperse well and were weakly bonded to the matrix. It can be concluded that alkali treatment on jute fiber reinforced concrete improves strength and durability to a significant extent.