Mechanical and Durability Evaluation of Fiber Reinforced High Performance M25 Concrete with SCM Modifications

Paper ID: EIJTEM_2026_13_2_250-262

Author's Name: Prakash Kaku, Jayakrishna J, Maheswararao R, Kalyani Gurram and Anajaneyulu G

Volume: 13

Issue: 2

Year: 2026

Page No: 250-262

Abstract:

The environmental effects of cement production and durability concerns are major difficulties for concrete, the most used building material in the world. M25 grade concrete reinforced with banana fiber and enhanced with cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) is the subject of this investigation. Ten concrete mixes with different percentages of Fly Ash (10–20%), GGBS (10–20%), and Banana Fiber (0.25–0.5%) were made for the study. By adding banana fiber as a percentage of the binder's weight, a ternary mixing technique made it possible to replace up to 30% of the cement. After 28 days, the specimens were subjected to a number of tests, including compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT), density evaluation, and water absorption, in accordance with standard casting and curing protocols. With a compressive strength of 39.4 MPa, the ideal mix which contained 15% Fly Ash, 15% GGBS, and 0.5% Banana Fiber surpassed ordinary concrete by about 21%. With gains of 34% in split tensile strength and 30% in flexural strength, the addition of banana fiber greatly aided in bridging cracks. In comparison to the control mix, durability also improved, with chloride permeability being minimized by 53% and water absorption decreased by 29%. The density stayed within acceptable bounds, suggesting adequate homogeneity and compaction. The study concludes that, in comparison to conventional concrete, ternary mixed banana fiber reinforced concrete exhibits qualities typical of high-performance concrete (HPC), including superior resistance to cracking and overall durability, in addition to meeting the structural requirements for M25 grade.

Keywords: Performance characteristics, Durability, Banana fibers, Environmental sustainability, Mechanical properties.

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