Enhancement of mechanical and corrosion resistance properties of concrete reinforced with sugarcane fiber for the construction industry

This study investigates the impact of sugarcane bagasse fibre (SBF) reinforcement on the mechanical, durability, and corrosion-resistant characteristics of concrete. Four concrete samples were made with fibre contents of 0 % (control), 1.5 %, 3 %, and 4.5 % SBF, and cured for 7, 14, and 28 days. Compressive strength tests found that the 4.5 % SBF mix performed around 20 % better than the control sample, reaching 23.7 MPa at 28 days, while flexural strength improved by up to 20 %, indicating increased load-bearing capacity. The hardness test revealed an 11 % improvement in the 1.5 % fibre mix. SEM investigation revealed fewer microcracks and better fibre distribution in SBF-reinforced samples, resulting in improved structural integrity. Corrosion testing revealed that the 4.5 % fibre mix significantly lowered corrosion rates while increasing polarisation resistance, showing high protective properties for embedded steel rebars. • Sugarcane bagasse fiber enhances concrete strength and durability. • 4.5 % SBF mix boosts compressive strength by 20 %, reaching 23.7 MPa at 28 days. • Flexural strength increases by 20 %, improving load-bearing capacity. • 1.5 % SBF mix improves hardness by 11 %, enhancing surface resistance. • SEM shows fewer microcracks and better fiber distribution for structural integrity.