Evaluation of the Performance of Concrete Reinforced with Bamboo and Incorporating Cassava Peel Ash

The main materials utilized in the production of reinforced concrete are aggregates, cement, and steel. The production of steel and cement contributes to the generation of carbon dioxide emissions, which is a main cause of global warming.

To further enhance sustainability in the construction industry, this study focuses on utilizing alternative sustainable materials in bamboo-reinforced concrete containing cassava peel ash (BRC-CPA) by fully replacing steel with bamboo strips and partially replacing cement with cassava peel ash. The experimental phase includes material characterization for the cassava peel ash (CPA) and bamboo reinforcements. Eighty-nine samples of BRC-CPA beams with dimensions 100×150×500 mm were produced, and bamboo strips of three different sizes, 12, 14, and 16 mm, were prepared and used as reinforcement in the BRC-CPA beams to evaluate their flexural strength and flexural strain. In addition, 12 samples of 150 mm cassava peel ash-blended concrete (CPAC) cubes without bamboo strips were produced. The cassava peel ash was used to partially replace cement at three levels, 0, 10, and 20%, to evaluate their influence on the compressive strength and water absorption of concrete cube samples.

The addition of CPA slightly reduced the compressive strength of CPAC cubes, with values of 23.4 N/mm², 22.2 N/mm², and 21.4 N/mm² observed for 0%, 10%, and 20% CPA replacement levels, respectively. However, incorporating CPA had a positive effect by reducing water absorption and narrowing the flexural crack width in BRC-CPA beams. The flexural strength of BRC-CPA beams increased as the concrete aged, but decreased as the bamboo reinforcement size increased. Notably, at 20% CPA replacement, the flexural strength was less influenced by the bamboo strip size compared to beams with 0% CPA.

Based on experimental results obtained for compressive strength, flexural strength, and flexural crack width, cassava peel ash at 10% replacement and bamboo strips of size 14 mm were recommended for use in BRC-CPA for concrete structural elements such as beams, columns, and slabs.