Performance Assessment of Self-Healing ECC Reinforced with Banana Fiber And Mineral Admixtures

Paper ID: EIJTEM_2026_13_2_165-173

Author's Name: Sai Kumarreddy Kummitha, Kalyani Gurram, Maheswararao R, Naveen Kumar G and Vijaya Sekhar B

Volume: 13

Issue: 2

Year: 2026

Page No: 165-173

Abstract:

The brittleness of ordinary concrete, which renders it prone to cracking and reduces the longevity of buildings, is addressed with Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC). By replacing conventional synthetic fibers with banana fiber, this study investigates the creation of a sustainable, self-healing ECC while lowering material costs and environmental effects. With a fiber content ranging from 0.5% to 2.0% by volume, the mechanical characteristics of banana fiber reinforced ECC were assessed; 1.5% was found to be the ideal amount. To improve matrix densification and self-healing properties at this fiber level, 30% of the fly ash in the mixture was substituted with silica fume. Regular concrete and conventional ECC were compared to the mechanical properties of ECC grades M25, M30, M40, and M45, including density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength. The results showed that the banana fiber reinforced ECC had a lower density, controlled crack propagation, and performed better in tensile and flexural strength than ordinary concrete. The mixture with 1.5% banana fiber and silica fume demonstrated better fiber matrix bonding and lower porosity. This study concludes by suggesting banana fiber-based self-healing ECC as a practical, sustainable, and long-lasting substitute for sustainable building methods.

Keywords: Engineered Cementitious Composites, Banana Fiber, Silica Fume, Mechanical Properties.

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