This study explores the enhancement of mechanical properties in lightweight foamed concrete (LFC) through the incorporation of unmodified abaca fibres as a natural reinforcement agent. LFC, while advantageous for its thermal insulation and reduced weight, often suffers from low tensile and flexural strength. To address this limitation, varying proportions of untreated abaca fibres were added to LFC mixtures and tested for compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural performance. Experimental results demonstrate that the inclusion of abaca fibres significantly improves ductility, crack resistance, and overall toughness without compromising the lightweight nature of the concrete. Microstructural analysis reveals effective fibre-matrix bonding, which contributes to stress distribution and energy absorption during loading. The findings support the viability of using unmodified natural fibres to sustainably enhance LFC performance in eco-conscious construction applications.

Lightweight foamed concrete, mechanical property enhancement, natural fibre reinforcement

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