Mechanical and Environmental Performance-based Evaluation of Areca Nut Fiber-reinforced Concrete

The present study investigates the effect of incorporating areca nut fiber as a partial replacement (0.1%-0.5%) of coarse aggregates on the mechanical and environmental performance of concrete.

Concrete mixtures incorporating varying proportions of areca nut fiber were prepared and evaluated through compressive strength, split tensile strength, and water absorption tests to examine their mechanical response and moisture transport characteristics. Regression-based curve fitting was further employed to model the relationship between fiber content and strength parameters. In addition, a series of performance indices, namely Compressive Strength Efficiency, Tensile Strength Efficiency, Ductility Index, Relative Water Absorption Index, and Water Absorption Severity Index, were formulated to facilitate integrated performance assessment. A multi-objective performance score was subsequently established to combine strength and durability considerations for identifying the most favorable mixture composition.

Concrete performance exhibited a distinct nonlinear dependence on fiber content. Compressive strength reached the greatest improvement, approximately 21% above the control mixture at 0.4% fiber addition, whereas the maximum split tensile strength was observed at 0.2% fiber content owing to improved crack-arresting and stress-transfer mechanisms. In contrast, water absorption increased steadily with increasing fiber dosage, highlighting a trade-off between mechanical enhancement and durability performance. The developed regression models successfully captured the observed trends, while the proposed performance indices provided additional insight into strength utilization, durability implications, and overall material effectiveness. Areca fiber incorporation produced only marginal changes in embodied CO₂ emissions; however, a notable improvement in eco-efficiency was achieved within the optimum fiber content range.

The experimental evidence suggests that areca fiber can serve as a viable and environmentally conscious reinforcement material when used in controlled quantities. The benefits associated with strength enhancement and improved crack resistance are most pronounced within a limited dosage range, beyond which the adverse effects of increased permeability become significant. Consequently, performance optimization requires balancing mechanical gains against potential durability concerns.

The study confirms that areca fiber-reinforced concrete can achieve enhanced mechanical performance and improved eco-efficiency without substantially increasing environmental burden. However, the increase in water absorption at higher fiber dosages highlights the need to identify an optimum fiber content that balances strength, durability, and long-term performance.