“Efecto de fibras naturales de Carludovica palmata (paja toquilla) en resistencia a compresión y flexión en hormigones simples de 21 MPA.”

Abstract

The purpose of the article presented was to show the mechanical behavior both in compression and bending of concrete when applying different percentages of natural fibers of toquilla straw (carludovica palmata), a plant well known around the world for its Panama hats and which is found in abundance in Ecuador, being feasible its acquisition for free production, resulting in an attractive alternative to usual fibers. A purely experimental methodology was applied, starting from a simple concrete, to which different percentages of the vegetable fiber were incorporated, it is necessary to clarify that these percentages are a function of the total mass of the concrete mixture. A close relationship was established between the percentage of fiber and the increase of the mechanical properties analyzed, giving a peak increase at 0.2% of fiber and decreasing after this. From the same data obtained, a correlation of compressive strength and modulus of rupture was elaborated in the form of an equation, which represents the behavior of the concrete when only compressive strength data is available. By means of the analyses carried out, it was possible to conclude that the vegetable fiber works better for flexural tests, although it also contributes to compression, but on a smaller scale.