Performance evaluation of concrete with the addition of maguey fibers

Abstract

This study evaluated the properties of concrete with maguey fibers, comparing mixtures with 2% and 4% fiber against conventional concrete with resistance f'c: 210 kg/cm². 27 specimens were worked, 9 of which were the standard specimens, 9 with 2% and 9 with 4%. Tests were carried out on the temperature of fresh concrete, compressive strength and sclerometry. The results showed that the maguey fiber did not affect the temperature of the concrete but reduced its workability. The concrete with 2% fiber reached a compressive strength of 177.20 kg/cm² at 28 days, while the concrete with 4% fiber presented a resistance of 54.62 kg/cm². The pattern concrete, without the addition of fibers, reached a resistance of 270.57 kg/cm². Sclerometry indicated better results for concrete with 2% fiber compared to 4%. It is recommended to use up to 2% of maguey fiber in low resistance applications, such as pedestrian pavements and non-structural elements, ensuring a homogeneous mixture and using plasticizing additives to improve workability.