Thermal properties of foamed concrete with addition of empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber

Abstract

The key players in the construction industry around the globe are very enthusiastic in producing better construction materials that are cost-effective, durable, excellent thermal insulation, lightweight and long lasting without jeopardizing the environment. One of the best ways in producing such building materials are by incorporating industrial waste materials such as Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) fiber in foamed concrete (FC). In recent years, the spotlight has been given towards the use of natural fiber reinforced concrete-based materials especially in Malaysia in a quest of economic and environmental upkeep particularly in the construction sector itself. Hence, this study intended to recognize the influence of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) fiber of four different contents (0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45% and 0.60 %) by mix volume on thermal properties of FC. There were three densities of 800kg/m3, 1100kg/m3 and 1400kg/m3 we cast and tested. The mix design of FC (sand: cement: water) is fixed at the ratio of 1:1.5:0.45. The investigation focuses on three parameters which were thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity. Results showed that the addition of EFB in FC plays an important role to improve the thermal performance holistically. The results demonstrated a great potential possesses by the EFB fiber to be utilized in cement-based materials such as the FC mix which is beneficial in reducing the thermal property or the transfer of heat in a produced concrete.