Author : Huda Nema Khalifa

The present work investigates experimentally the improvement of some mechanical properties of concrete by adding cellulose in the form of fiber or crystal. Each of them can be added through three percentages to fresh concrete. The cellulose may work as superplasticizer which acts to lower the rate of water absorption and influence positively the strength and the elasticity. The percentage of the additive was 2, 5 and 7.5 %. It was found that the best percentage was found as 5% after 28 days of moist- cured. The test specimens was of standard cubic, the percentage of the improvement for the concrete when it was evaluated according to the standard concrete was 14 % for cellulose fiber and 6.5% cellulose crystal, and due to the improvement in the elasticity for fiber additive, it may work properly under the loading condition comparing to concrete standard specimen, while crystal improve the workability.

Keywords: Cellulose, fiber, crystal, compressive strength, slump

Article published in International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, Vol.5, No.6 (Dec-2015)