The use of bamboo fiber in reinforced concrete beam to reduce crack

This study presents the evaluation of the use of bamboo fiber to improve the performance of bamboo reinforced concrete at the tension crack area. To achieve this objective, a series of tests were conducted. The size object of concrete beam is 15 cm × 20 cm × 160 cm with reinforcement of bamboo and pumice stone aggregate. Bamboo reinforcement was coated with sand to become rough of the surface. The type of bamboo obtained from skewer producers in the Cemoro Kandang Malang is called Ori bamboo. The fiber were used vary in length. The fiber coated with paint and covered with sand to prevent the hygroscopic properties and increased the weight to prevent the float of bamboo fibers when mixed in the concrete mixer. The results were showed that bamboo fiber can reduce crack-width and deflection of concrete and increase beam post-cracking load-carrying capacity. The amount of fiber has effect on workability and quality of concrete. However, bamboo fiber can prevent the growth and propagation of cracks.