STUDY OF USING NATURAL CONCRETE FIBER FOR BUILDING FINISHING

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

MOHAMMAD AMIRUL SHAFIQ BIN SAJALI 2010848568

STUDY OF USING NATURAL CONCRETE FIBER FOR BUILDING FINISHING

ARK 587 RESEARCH PAPER BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (Hons.)(ARCHITECTURE) FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING

ARK 587 RESEARCH PAPER BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (Hons.)(ARCHITECTURE) FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA, SHAH ALAM

MOHAMMAD AMIRUL SHAFIQ BIN SAJALI 2010848568

SEPTEMBER 2012 - JANUARY 2013

STUDY OF USING NATURAL CONCRETE FIBER FOR BUILDING FINISHING. UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA, SHAH ALAM

STUDY OF USING NATURAL CONCRETE FIBER FOR BUILDING FINISHING

This report has been submitted to the Center of Studies For Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, to fulfill the requirement of ARK 587 RESEARCH PAPER course.

Prepared by: Name

: MOHAMMAD AMIRUL SHAFIQ BIN SAJALI

UiTM No.

: 2010848568

Programme

: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE (Hons.)

Year/Semester

: Year 4 Semester 2

Session

: September 2012 - January 2013

Faculty

: Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this research paper and the research to which it refers are the product of my own work and that any ideas or quotations from the work of other people, published or otherwise are fully acknowledged in accordance with the standard academics practices.

Name

: MOHAMMAD AMIRUL SHAFIQ BIN SAJALI

UiTM No.

: 2010848568

This research had been checked by: Supervisor

: En. Mat Rahim Bin Ibrahim

Course Coordinator

: Pn. Mimi Zaleha

________________________ Signature of Supervisor

____________________________ Signature of Course Coordinator

_____________ Date

_______________ Date

ABSTRACT At the beginning of this study, explained the natural concrete fiber that is often used for construction purposes and design and case study about some material which is made from natural concrete fiber. Studies also take into the views and opinion of the suppliers, architects, and contractor based on their experiences. All the data will be analyzed. Conclusion of this research paper is to show the importance of natural concrete fiber in design.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost , gratitude and praise goes to our god Almaighty. I wish to thank my advisor, Mr Mat Rahim Bin Ibrahim for his interest, help and continual encouragement.

I thank my colleagues and friends in Quixotic.

Finally, I am deeply indebted to family members and friends, who have been Continually understanding, encouraging and supportive during the period of this Research project.

I really wish to say "thank you all".

MOHAMMAD AMIRUL SHAFIQ SAJALI january 2013

ii

Study Of Using Natural Concrete For Building Finishing

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

ABSTRACT

i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

iii

LIST OF FIGURES

v

LIST OF TABLES

vi

CHAPTER 1:

INTRODUCTION

1.0

Introduction

1

1.1

Problem Statement

1

1.2

Research Objective

2

1.3

Scope and Area of Research

2

CHAPTER 2:

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0

Introduction

3

2.1

Natural Concrete Fiber

5

2.1.1 Organic natural fibers

5

i. Unprocessed natural fibers

6

ii. Processed natural fibers

6

iii. Coconut fiber

8

iv. Sugar cane bagasse

9

v. Banana fiber

10

2.1.2 Non-organic natural fibers

11

iii

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Study Of Using Natural Concrete For Building Finishing

i. Glass

11

ii. Steel

13

CHAPTER 3:

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0

Introduction

16

3.1

Research Information

17

3.2

Method of Data Collection

17

3.3

3.2.1 Surveying

17

3.2.2 Interview

17

3.2.3

17

Personal observation (Internet, Magazine)

Case Study I: Natura Fiber Concrete Decorative Cladding 3.3.1 Application

18

i. Commercial applications

18

ii. Healthcare applications

18

iii. Education applications

18

iv. Housing applications

18

3.3.2 A rain screen solution

19

i. Insulation

19

ii. Rainwater Removal

20

iii. Removal Of Interstitial Condensation

20

iv) Minimization of thermal bridging

21

3.3.3

Site work and storage of fiber concrete

21

i. Cutting

21

ii. Drilling

22

iii. Finishes

22

iv

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Study Of Using Natural Concrete For Building Finishing

iv. Health and safety

22

v. Transport conditions

23

vi. Storage and handling

23

3.3.4 Example project that use natural fiber cement 3.4

Case Study II: UCO supertex plank

24 24

3.4.1 Application

24

3.4.2 Advantages of superflex plank

24

3.4.3 Working guideline

26

i.

General

26

ii.

Cutting

26

iii.

Drilling

26

iv.

Sanding

26

v.

Painting

27

vi.

Health and safety

27

vii.

Fixing instructions

27

viii.

Timber frames

28

ix.

Metal frames

28

x.

Jointing

29

xi.

Corner details

30

xii.

Exposed conditions

31

3.4.3 Example UCO superflex plank

32

v

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Study Of Using Natural Concrete For Building Finishing

CHAPTER 4:

DATA ANALYSIS

4.0

Introduction

33

4.1

Survey

33

4.2

Interview

34

4.3

Personal Observation (From internet and magazine)

35

4.4

Conclusion

36

CHAPTER 5:

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.0

Introduction

38

5.1

Conclusion

38

5.2

Suggestion

39

REFERENCES

40

APPENDIX

vi

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LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE

TITLE

PAGE

Figure 2.1

Coconut fiber

8

Figure 2.2

Sugar Cane Bagasse

10

Figure 2.3

Banana tree

11

Figure 2.4

Glass fiber

12

Figure 2.5

Steel fiber

13

Figure 3.1

Flow chart of research method

16

Figure 3.2

Insulation

20

Figure 3.3

Show penetration of most rain water

20

Figure 3.4

Thermal Remove

21

Figure 3.5

Thermal Along Structural

21

Figure 3.6

Mazarin House, 16 St Johns Gardens, The

24

Rock, Bury Figure 3.7

Cutter And How To Cut The Board.

26

Figure 3.8

2.8mm X 40mm Galvanized Wire Nails Fix

28

With Planks Figure 3.9

Position Clips At Each Batten

28

Figure 3.10

Planks Fixed At Each Stud By Driving Screws

29

figure 3.11

clips fixed to metal frames at each batten

29

Figure 3.12

Wrong And Correct Way

29

Figure 3.13

Fascia Board Detail

30

Figure 3.14

External Corner Detail

30

Figure 3.15

Internal Corner Detail

31

Figure 3.16

Wind Driven Rain Deflected Upwards

31

Figure 3.17

Flashing On Roof

32

Figure 3.18

Resort

32

Figure 4.1

Data experience use natural fiber concrete

34

Figure 4.2

The percentage of respondents preference

35

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LIST OF TABLE TABLE

TITLE

Table 4.1

Data experience use of natural fiber concrete

PAGE 33

Table 4.2

The percentage of respondents preference

35

Table 4.3

Prevalence of the used of Natural concrete Fiber in Malayasia and Manchester

36

vi

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

MOHAMMAD AMIRUL SHAFIQ BIN SAJALI 2010848568

STUDY OF USING NATURAL CONCRETE FOR BUILDING FINISHING

ARK 587 RESEARCH PAPER BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (Hons.)(ARCHITECTURE) FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING

ARK 587 RESEARCH PAPER BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (Hons.)(ARCHITECTURE) FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA, SHAH ALAM

MOHAMMAD AMIRUL SHAFIQ BIN SAJALI 2010848568

SEPTEMBER 2012 - JANUARY 2013

STUDY OF USING NATURAL CONCRETE FOR BUILDING FINISHING. UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA, SHAH ALAM

STUDY OF USING NATURAL CONCRETE FOR BUILDING FINISHING

This report has been submitted to the Center of Studies For Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, to fulfill the requirement of ARK 587 RESEARCH PAPER course.

Prepared by: Name

: MOHAMMAD AMIRUL SHAFIQ BIN SAJALI

UiTM No.

: 2010848568

Programme

: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE (Hons.)

Year/Semester

: Year 4 Semester 2

Session

: September 2012 - January 2013

Faculty

: Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this research paper and the research to which it refers are the product of my own work and that any ideas or quotations from the work of other people, published or otherwise are fully acknowledged in accordance with the standard academics practices.

Name

: MOHAMMAD AMIRUL SHAFIQ BIN SAJALI

UiTM No.

: 2010848568

This research had been checked by: Supervisor

: En. Mat Rahim Bin Ibrahim

Course Coordinator

: Pn. Mimi Zaleha

________________________ Signature of Supervisor

____________________________ Signature of Course Coordinator

_____________ Date

_______________ Date

ABSTRACT At the beginning of this study, explained the natural concrete fiber that is often used for construction purposes and design and case study about some material which is made from natural concrete fiber. Studies also take into the views and opinion of the suppliers, architects, and contractor based on their experiences. All the data will be analyzed. Conclusion of this research paper is to show the importance of natural concrete fiber in design.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost , gratitude and praise goes to our god Almaighty. I wish to thank my advisor, Mr Mat Rahim Bin Ibrahim for his interest, help and continual encouragement.

I thank my colleagues and friends in Quixotic.

Finally, I am deeply indebted to family members and friends, who have been Continually understanding, encouraging and supportive during the period of this Research project.

I really wish to say "thank you all".

MOHAMMAD AMIRUL SHAFIQ SAJALI january 2013

ii

Study Of Using Natural Concrete For Building Finishing

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

ABSTRACT

i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

iii

LIST OF FIGURES

v

LIST OF TABLES

vi

CHAPTER 1:

INTRODUCTION

1.0

Introduction

1

1.1

Problem Statement

1

1.2

Research Objective

2

1.3

Scope and Area of Research

2

CHAPTER 2:

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0

Introduction

3

2.1

Natural Concrete Fiber

5

2.1.1 Organic natural fibers

5

i. Unprocessed natural fibers

6

ii. Processed natural fibers

6

iii. Coconut fiber

8

iv. Sugar cane bagasse

9

v. Banana fiber

10

2.1.2 Non-organic natural fibers

11

iii

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i. Glass

11

ii. Steel

13

CHAPTER 3:

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0

Introduction

16

3.1

Research Information

17

3.2

Method of Data Collection

17

3.3

3.2.1 Surveying

17

3.2.2 Interview

17

3.2.3

17

Personal observation (Internet, Magazine)

Case Study I: Natura Fiber Concrete Decorative Cladding 3.3.1 Application

18

i. Commercial applications

18

ii. Healthcare applications

18

iii. Education applications

18

iv. Housing applications

18

3.3.2 A rain screen solution

19

i. Insulation

19

ii. Rainwater Removal

20

iii. Removal Of Interstitial Condensation

20

iv) Minimization of thermal bridging

21

3.3.3

Site work and storage of fiber concrete

21

i. Cutting

21

ii. Drilling

22

iii. Finishes

22

iv

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Study Of Using Natural Concrete For Building Finishing

iv. Health and safety

22

v. Transport conditions

23

vi. Storage and handling

23

3.3.4 Example project that use natural fiber cement 3.4

Case Study II: UCO supertex plank

24 24

3.4.1 Application

24

3.4.2 Advantages of superflex plank

24

3.4.3 Working guideline

26

i.

General

26

ii.

Cutting

26

iii.

Drilling

26

iv.

Sanding

26

v.

Painting

27

vi.

Health and safety

27

vii.

Fixing instructions

27

viii.

Timber frames

28

ix.

Metal frames

28

x.

Jointing

29

xi.

Corner details

30

xii.

Exposed conditions

31

3.4.3 Example UCO superflex plank

32

v

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Study Of Using Natural Concrete For Building Finishing

CHAPTER 4:

DATA ANALYSIS

4.0

Introduction

33

4.1

Survey

33

4.2

Interview

34

4.3

Personal Observation (From internet and magazine)

35

4.4

Conclusion

36

CHAPTER 5:

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.0

Introduction

38

5.1

Conclusion

38

5.2

Suggestion

39

REFERENCES

40

APPENDIX

vi

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LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE

TITLE

PAGE

Figure 2.1

Coconut fiber

8

Figure 2.2

Sugar Cane Bagasse

10

Figure 2.3

Banana tree

11

Figure 2.4

Glass fiber

12

Figure 2.5

Steel fiber

13

Figure 3.1

Flow chart of research method

16

Figure 3.2

Insulation

20

Figure 3.3

Show penetration of most rain water

20

Figure 3.4

Thermal Remove

21

Figure 3.5

Thermal Along Structural

21

Figure 3.6

Mazarin House, 16 St Johns Gardens, The

24

Rock, Bury Figure 3.7

Cutter And How To Cut The Board.

26

Figure 3.8

2.8mm X 40mm Galvanized Wire Nails Fix

28

With Planks Figure 3.9

Position Clips At Each Batten

28

Figure 3.10

Planks Fixed At Each Stud By Driving Screws

29

figure 3.11

clips fixed to metal frames at each batten

29

Figure 3.12

Wrong And Correct Way

29

Figure 3.13

Fascia Board Detail

30

Figure 3.14

External Corner Detail

30

Figure 3.15

Internal Corner Detail

31

Figure 3.16

Wind Driven Rain Deflected Upwards

31

Figure 3.17

Flashing On Roof

32

Figure 3.18

Resort

32

Figure 4.1

Data experience use natural fiber concrete

34

Figure 4.2

The percentage of respondents preference

35

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LIST OF TABLE TABLE

TITLE

Table 4.1

Data experience use of natural fiber concrete

PAGE 33

Table 4.2

The percentage of respondents preference

35

Table 4.3

Prevalence of the used of Natural concrete Fiber in Malayasia and Manchester

36

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION 1.0

Introduction Natural fibers are either produced from materials such as plants, animals

or minerals which resources derived from the surrounding area. For example, coconut fronds and bunches when undergoing the diffusion process will produce fiber pathways that can be used to produce fiber board for construction materials.

Many developing countries are rich in agriculture and natural fibers. However, it is widely used as a fuel source and its use as construction material can be considered less. Concrete is a natural fiber is one of the materials used in construction. This study will focus on the use of this material as one of the building materials used in the building structure and finishes based on the opinion of the respondents.

1.1

Problem Statement The use of natural concrete fiber as a finish material is a new idea to take

advantage of the natural resources that had been used only for purposes tertentu.ia also saves pollution, safe and durable and has the potential to maintain comfort in bangunan.Bahan fiber is an alternative building materials as well as materials existing building such as glass, steel and so on. In Malaysia, the phenomenon is too new and should be explored. Therefore, more detailed studies need to be done on this material.

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To address this problem, the step to be taken is to commercialize technologies involving natural fiber materials from local sources. Possibilities that can be identified is the use of local natural fibers, which are easily available and much cheaper. Example of local natural fiber such as coconut, bagasse and banana.

1.2

Research Objective This study was planned and carried out to demonstrate the use of natural

fiber concrete is suitable for use in equatorial climates like Malaysia who experience hot and humid weather throughout the year based on the study of a number of countries have started to use natural fiber cement finish as their building material.

1.3

Scope and Area of Research The location chosen was in the Klang Valley to undertake a survey of the

use of this material. The study involved data collection through literature review on the features and use of natural fibers in the construction industry. The study was done with reference to the findings of previous researchers derived from the journals, theses, books, and internet. Able to demonstrate the potential use of natural fibers compared between national and local.

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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0

Introduction Fibers have been used to toughen bricks and pottery since the very

beginning of civilization, but only in the last twenty five years have the principles of fibre reinforcement of brittle matrices began to be scientifically understood. Initially, it was suggested that the cracking strain of brittle matrices, such as cement paste mortar and concrete, could be significantly increased by using closely spaced fibers (Romauldi & Batson, 1963). The experimental studies showed that the stress at which a brittle matrix will crack can be slightly increased by using high modulus fibres but, in general, the cracking strain of the matrix remains unaltered. Considerable modification in the behavior of the material was observed once the matrix has been cracked.

The fibers bridge across the cracks and so provide post-cracking ductility.

Although the strain at cracking does not increase due to fibre

reinforcement, the tensile strain at rupture does, resulting in a tough material with high resistance to impact loading.(Filho, Joseph, Ghavami, & England, 1999)

A wide variety of fibres have thus been used with cement based matrices. They include metallic fibres, polymeric fibres, mineral fibres and vegetable fibres. The cement matrices can consist of paste, mortar or

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concrete. Most of the developments with fibre reinforced concrete involve the use of ordinary Portland cement. (Filho et al., 1999)

Organic fibers, including sisal, coconut, jute, bamboo and wood fibers, are prospective reinforcing materials and their use until now has been more empirical than technical. They have been tried as reinforcement for cement matrices in developing countries mainly to produce low-cost thin elements for use in housing schemes. Organic fibres require only a low degree of industrialization for their processing and in comparison with an equivalent weight of the most common synthetic reinforcing fibres, the energy required for their production is small and hence the cost of fabricating these composites is also low.(Filho et al., 1999)

Most of the developing countries are very rich in agricultural and natural fiber. Except a few exceptions, a large part of agricultural waste is being used as a fuel. India alone produces more than 400 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually. It has got a very large percentage of the total world production of rice husk, jute, stalk, baggase and coconut fibre. All these natural fibres have excellent physical and mechanical properties and can be utilized more effectively in the development of composite materials for various building applications.(Amit Rai & C.N.Jha, 2007)

In Malaysia, there are also lots of researchers who are continuously studying and researching in order to develop the technology of concrete.

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Malaysia is abundantof natural resources, natural resources coming from water and land.

It has become the live hood of many Malaysian. There are millions of hectares of plantations of different woods, plants and vegetables like sugarcane, pineapple, coconut and many more. Unfortunately these live hoods also contribute to the increasing volume of wastes generated every year. After harvesting the fruit and other essential parts of the plant, there are residues. Their remainders are huge amount of stalk, branches, leaves, and empty fruit branches.

2.1

Natural Concrete Fiber Natural fibers can be defined as bio based fibers or fibers from

vegetable and animal origin. Based on their origin, natural fibers can also be classified as cellulosic (from plants) and protein (from animals). Excluded here are mineral fibers such as asbestos that occur naturally but are not bio based.

Other natural fibers as defined for this policy are of plant origin, cellulosic and renewable.(section VI Other Natural Fibres, 2008)

2.1.1 Organic natural fibers Natural reinforcing materials can be obtained at low cost and low levels of energy using local manpower and technology. Utilization of natural fibres as a form of concrete reinforcement is of particular interest to less developed regions where conventional construction materials are not readily available or are too expensive. Sisal-fibre reinforced concrete has been used for making

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roof tiles, corrugated sheets, pipes, silos and tanks. Elephant-grass-reinforced mortar has been used for low-cost housing projects. Wood-cellulosefibrereinforced cement has commercial applications in the manufacture of flat and corrugated sheet and non-pressure pipes. Natural fibres can be either unprocessed or processed. (Majumdar, 1975)

i)

Unprocessed natural fibers Products made with unprocessed natural fibres such as coconut coir,

sisal, sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, jute, wood and organic fibres have been tested in a number of countries. Problems have been reported with the longterm durability of some of the products. The properties of concrete made using unprocessed natural fibres depend on a number of factors including the type and length of fibre as well as the volume fraction. To show some improvement in mechanical properties, the minimum fibre content is of the order of 3% by volume.(institute, 2010) ii)

Processed natural fibers Wood cellulose is the most frequently used natural fiber. It is most

commonly obtained using the Kraft process. This process involves cooking wood chips in a solution of sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium sulphide. Different grades of wood-cellulose fibre containing more or less of the three main constituents, cellulose, hemicellulose and ligna can be obtained by bleaching.

Wood-cellulose fibre has relatively good mechanical properties compared with many man-made fibres such as polypropylene, polyethylene,

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polyester and acrylic. Delignified cellulose fibre can be produced with tensile strengths up to approximately 2.0 GPa from selected grades of wood, and using suitable pulping processes. Fibre tensile strengths of 500 MPa can be routinely obtained using a chemical pulping process and the more common, less expensive, grades of wood. Using conventional mixing techniques, the amount of fibre that can be incorporated into the cement matrix at low water contents is limited by the capacity of the fibres to be mixed uniformly into the matrix. Fabrication techniques that involve mixing fibre with the matrix at initially high water contents and then using dewatering procedures are therefore effective and common.

Wood-cellulose fiber that has not been delignified can adversely affect the curing of the cement matrix. This is because leaching of sugar and other organic impurities into the cement matrix can retard or completely inhibit cement set. Results obtained from autoclaved wood-cellulose cement composites indicate that such products can be sensitive to moisture content.

Published information on the performance of wood-cellulose fibre composites is conflicting.(institute, 2010)

However, Bentur and Mindess state: "Although the strength and other properties of the cellulose-pulp fibre are inferior to those of many other fibres, such as asbestos, they are highly cost effective. This, combined with their compatibility with processes for producing asbestos cement, makes the cellulose-pulp fibres an attractive alternative to asbestos. As a result of intensive research and development, cellulose-pulp fibres are now used in

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some places as partial or full replacement for asbestos in cement composites."("Fibre reinforced concrete," 1997)

iii)

Coconut fiber Coconut fiber is obtained from the fibrous husk (mesocarp) of the

coconut (Cocos nucifera) from the coconut palm, which belongs to the palm family (Palmae). Coconut fiber, called coir, can be extracted simply soaking the husk in water or, alternatively, by using mechanical process.

Coconut fiber has a high lignin content and thus a low cellulose content, as a result of which it is resilient, strong and highly durable. The remarkable lightness of the fibers is due to the cavities arising from the dried out sieve cells. Coconut fiber contains a high lignin ratio that makes fibers stiffer and tougher, high air porosity (95%), heat retardant, biodegradable and considered as a renewable source.(Reis, 2006)

Figure 2.1: Coconut fiber

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iv)

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Sugar cane bagasse Sugarcane refining generates a large volume of residue called

bagasse. Disposal of bagasse is critical for both agricultural profitability and environmental protection.

The sugarcane stalk consists of two parts: an inner pith containing most of the sucrose and an outer rind with lignocellulosic fibers. During refining, the sugarcane stalk is crushed to extract the sucrose. This procedure produces a large volume of residue, bagasse, containing both crushed rind and pith fibers.

Previous research on bagasse has suggested many approaches to converting bagasse into value-added industrial products, such as liquid fuels, feed stocks, enzymes and activated carbon. Use of bagasse fiber for manufacturing material products is another prospective solution. Compared to pure

synthetic

materials,

bagasse

fiber-based

materials

have

two

advantageous features, light weight and renewability.

Waste bagasse is manually sifted and put into an alkaline solution for boiling to remove lignin. After the treatment, bagasse fiber is rinsed with water and dried in an electric oven. (Reis, 2006)

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Figure 2.2: Sugar Cane Bagasse

v)

Banana fiber Banana fiber, the cellulosic fibers obtained from the pseudo-stem of

banana plant (Musa Sepientum) is a best fiber with relatively good mechanical properties. The banana plant, often erroneously referred to as a “tree”, is a large herb, with succulent, pseudo stem which is a cylinder of leaf-petiole sheaths, reaching a height of 6–7.5 m and arising from a fleshy rhizome or corm.

Plants are large, herbaceous monocots, reaching 7.5 m in some cultivars. The “trunk” or pseudo stem is not a true stem, but only the clustered, cylindrical aggregation of leaf stalk bases. (institute, 2010)

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Figure 3.3: Banana tree

2.1.2 Non-organic natural fibers non-organic fibers, both metal and non metal ones, are more resistant, more rigid, have an higher melting point and are more heat resistant than traditional fibers. They are also totally uninflammable, but, except for the metal ones, they are fragile. Their textile importance is also limited, whereas they are widely used as reinforcement in composite materials. They are usually excellent in high temperatures and in a corrosive surrounding.(market, 2000)

i)

Glass

In the form first used, glass fibres were found to be alkali reactive and products in which they were used deteriorated rapidly. Alkali resistant glass containing 16% zirconia was successfully formulated in the 1960's and by 1971 was in commercial production in the UK. Other sources of alkaliresistant glass were developed during the 1970's and 1980's in other parts of the world, with higher zirconia contents. Alkali-resistant glass fibre is used in the manufacture of glass-reinforced cement (GRC) products, which have a 11

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wide range of applications. Glass fibre is available in continuous or chopped lengths. Fibre lengths of up to 35-mm are used in spray applications and 25mm lengths are used in premix applications.(institute, 2010)

Figure 2.4: Glass fiber

Glass fibre has high tensile strength (2 – 4 GPa) and elasticmodulus (70 – 80 GPa) but has brittle stress-straincharacteristics(2,5 – 4,8% elongation at break) and lowcreep at room temperature. Claims have been made that upto 5% glass fibre by volume has been used successfully insandcement mortar without balling. Glass-fibre products exposed to outdoor environment haveshown a loss of strength and ductility. The reasons for this are not clear and it is speculated that alkali attack or fibre embrittlement are possible causes. Because of the lack of data on long-term durability, GRC has been confined to non-structural uses where it has wide applications. It is suitable for use in direct spray techniques and premix processes and has been used as a replacement for asbestos fibre in flat sheet, pipes and a 12

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variety of precast products. GRC products are used extensively in agriculture; for architectural cladding and components; and for small containers. (institute, 2010)

Figure 2.5: Steel fiber

ii)

Steel Steel fibers have been used in concrete since the early 1900s. The

early fibres were round and smooth and the wire was cut or chopped to the required lengths. The use of straight, smooth fibres has largely disappeared and modern fibres have either rough surfaces, hooked ends or are crimped or undulated through their length. Modern commercially available steel fibres are manufactured from drawn steel wire, from slit sheet steel or by the meltextraction process which produces fibres that have a crescent-shaped cross section. Typically steel fibres have equivalent diameters (based on cross sectional area) of from 0.15 mm to 2 mm and lengths from 7 to 75 mm.

Aspect ratios generally range from 20 to 100. (Aspect ratio is defined as the ratio between fibre length and its equivalent diameter, which is the diameter of a circle with an area equal to the cross-sectional area of the fibre). Carbon

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steels are most commonly used to produce fibres but fibres made from corrosion-resistant alloys are available. Stainless steel fibres have been used for high-temperature applications. (institute, 2010)

Some fibres are collated into bundles using water-soluble glue to facilitate handling and mixing. Steel fibres have high tensile strength (0.5 – 2 GPa) and modulus of elasticity (200 GPa), a ductile/plastic stress-strain characteristic and low creep. Steel fibres have been used in conventional concrete mixes, shotcrete and slurry-infiltrated fibre concrete. Typically, content of steel fiber ranges from 0.25% to 2,0% by volume. Fibre contents in excess of 2% by volume generally result in poor workability and fibre distribution, but can be used successfully where the paste content of the mix is increased and the size of coarse aggregate is not larger than about 10 mm.

Steel-fibre-reinforced concrete containing up to 1.5% fibre by volume has been pumped successfully using pipelines of 125 to 150 mm diameter. Steel fibre contents up to 2% by volume have been used in shotcrete applications using both the wet and dry processes. Steel fibre contents of up to 25% by volume have been obtained in slurry-infiltrated fibre concrete. Concretes containing steel fibre have been shown to have substantially improved resistance to impact and greater ductility of failure in compression, flexure and torsion. Similarly, it is reported that the elastic modulus in compression and modulus of rigidity in torsion are no different before cracking when compared with plain concrete tested under similar conditions. It has been reported that steel-fibre-reinforced concrete, because of the improved ductility, could find applications where impact resistance is important. Fatigue resistance of the

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concrete is reported to be increased by up to 70%. It is thought that the inclusion of steel fibre as supplementary reinforcement in concrete could assist in the reduction of spalling due to thermal shock and thermal gradients. (institute, 2010)

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CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.0

Introduction The study conducted a case study is a survey research(study case

reviews) that requires a variety of methods. The choice of a particular method should be made systematically and effectively so that the results obtained meetrequirements of the original goals and objectives. This point is illustrated in the following figure 3.1:

OBJECTIVE OF RESEARCH

PROBLEM STATEMENT

LITERATURE REVIEW

DATA COLLECTION

DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS

CONCLUTION Figure 3.1: Flow chart of research method

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Research Information This study is to obtain some information to make a decision whether

natural concrete fiber is suitable or not used in Malaysia. the procedure is to interview a number of suppliers and architect whose experienced with some building materials in construction and smart in choosing building materials. some constructor also interviewed as they are experienced in construction projects and in choose the best quality construction materials.

3.2

Method of Data Collection Data collection will be collect using survey, interview and personal

observation.

3.2.1 Surveying Data collection consisting of architect, suppliers and contructor with the aim to find out how long their experience in using natural concrete fiber.

3.2.2 Interview The interview will be given a choice between the natural concrete fiber or non-natural concrete fiber. Then asked respondents opinion about the material their priorities. All data is recorded.

3.2.3 Personal observation (Internet, Magazine) Studies of materials that was used in Malaysia and overseas. The specification of that material will be show.

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Case Study I: Natura Fiber Concrete Decorative Cladding

3.3.1 Application The application of natural fiber concrete in decorating cladding can be divided as follows. i)

Commercial applications From offices and supermarkets, to retail and leisure, Natura cladding

can be used to create unique aesthetic solutions generating pristine lines as well as providing levels of thermal and acoustic insulation.

ii)

Healthcare applications Local Health Authorities are under ever-greater constraints to procure

buildings that offer the very highest standards of thermal efficiency and sustainability, often coupled with the need to build rapidly.

iii)

Education applications In schools and universities, thermal performance is of paramount

importance, but so are other issues such as those of impact resistance, low maintenance and ‘high value aesthetics’ which go together to create effective and efficient learning environments that the students respect and enjoy.

iv)

Housing applications Natura can be used for individual houses, low rise and high rise

apartment projects, where overcladding is commonly used as an effective

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means of visual and thermal upgrade. Advantages of natural fiber concrete in decorative cladding are: • Tactile, smooth surface • Variegated or natural fibre cement finish • Choice of subtly pigmented surfaces • Class 0 fire performance • Economical • Secret fix system • Natura panels have an installed life expectancy of at least 50 years • Easy to fix • Designed for rainscreen cladding systems • Excellent weather resistance • Resistant to insects, mould growth and fungi • No routine maintenance required • Suitable for a wide range of high quality facade applications • Available with an anti-graffiti coating

3.3.2 A rain screen solution i)

Insulation • Insulation of up to 240mm thickness can be accommodated using a Marley Eternit framing system.

• All types of insulation can be used – from rigid pur to mineral wool insulation positioned against substrate maximises heat retention and minimises condensation issues • Externally located insulation maximises internal floor space.

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• Mineral wool insulation allows moisture to pass through to the cavity where passage of air evaporates it.

Figure 3.2: Insulation ii)

Rainwater Removal • Cladding prevents penetration of most rain water, natural ventilation, stack effect evaporates penetrating rain.

• Residual rainwater drains harmlessly and evacuates at base of system.

• Pressure equalized system naturally inhibits ingress of driven rain.

Figure 3.3: Show penetration of most rain water

iii)

Removal Of Interstitial Condensation • Thermally efficient system.

• Any interstitial condensation kept to outside of structure.

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• Quickly removed via evaporation.

• Structure maintained at even temperature.

• Structure temperature kept above dew point.

Figure 3.4: Thermal Remove

iv)

Minimization of thermal bridging • Continuous insulation envelope possible.

• Insulation is external, so no thermal breaks required to accommodate internal structural elements such as floors and beams.

Figure 3.5: Thermal Along Structural

3.3.3 Site work and storage of fiber concrete i)

Cutting 21

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When cutting fibre cement, saw blades of the highest quality should be used; diamond tipped circular saws: diamond tipped for Mafell panel saws; ABC saw blades for compass saws; tungsten carbide black jigsaw blades.

Silicon carbide and diamond cutting discs should not be used for cutting fibre cement. Cutting and feeding speeds will be dependent on the power tool used and by practical trial.

ii)

Drilling For pre-drilling panels cleanly and accurately, we recommend using

HSS (high speed steel) drills or tungsten carbide-tipped drills. Hole diameter will depend upon the framing to be fixed back to timber or metal framing.

Immediately remove dust from cutting/drill holes using a vacuum or soft brush or dry soft and clean cloths. It is advisable to coat the undercut anchor holes with Luko solution.

iii)

Finishes Natural panels are supplied with unfinished edges and must be cut by a

specialist fabricator. Cut edges of Natura must be sealed with Luko solution.

iv)

Health and safety Fiber cement is a modern, reinforced construction material made from

natural and environmentally neutral raw materials, predominantly Portland cement.

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Transport conditions The panels should be moved in stacks using a fork-lift truck or a crane.

Individual panels should be carried vertically and should not be set down on corners. Stacks should be transported under a waterproof cover.

vi)

Storage and handling Natura should be stored and transported on a flat, dry surface which

gives support over the entire area. Stack to a maximum height of 1m, preferably on pallets, or on dry wooden slats placed sufficiently close to avoid sagging. The panels should be covered, for example with a heavy-duty tarpaulin, to protect against dampness, weather and dirt. The covering must remain in place at all times for stacked material. Individual panels should be stored on edge with air circulation on both sides. If only one side of a panel dries out or becomes damp this can lead to deformation. Paper or foil is inserted between front surfaces to protect the high quality finish, and this should be kept in place when restacking. Stack the panels front face to front face or rear surface to rear surface. Each panel should belifted from the pile by two workers, removed without scraping the other panels and then carried vertically. Natura panels should always be carried upright.

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3.3.4 Example project that use natural fiber cement

Figure 3.6: Mazarin House, 16 St Johns Gardens, The Rock, Bury

3.4

Case Study II: UCO supertex plank

UCO Supertex Plank is an autoclaved cellulose fibre cement plank. It is an asbestos free building product available in two surface finishes, permanent woodgrain and smooth textures.

3.4.1 Application Ideal for siding, gable end and fascia.

3.4.2 Advantages of superflex plank i. Non hazardous to health • 100% asbestos-free.

ii. Fire resistant • Does not burn easily.

• Class "O" building material conformed to Uniform Building By-Law.

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iii. Durable • Resistant to rot and water damage.

• Not affected by termite or other insect/vermin attack.

• When used and installed correctly, it does not crack or warp.

• Chemical resistant to mild acid corrosion.

iv. Environmental Friendly • Minimise the cutting of trees.

v. Dimensionally Stable • An autoclaved composite material with a stable crystalline structure which is resilient to changes in temperature and humidity. Less shrinkage compared to air-cured products.

vi. Surface Finish Versatility • Readily accepts a wide range of surface finishes, e.g. acrylic, emulsion, lamination, ceramic, stones, marble, etc.

vii. Easy to install • Lighter weight building material, less labour intensive.

viii. Minimal Maintenance • Virtually Maintenance free - Cost effective.

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3.4.3 Working guideline i.

General

Use normal woodworking tools.

ii.

Cutting

Use a fine-toothed panel saw. Work with fair face upwards and support the board as cutting progresses. Quick and easy rough cuts can be made by scoring boards with a knife and snapping over a straight edge. This can be done using UAC's special tungsten tipped Score and Snap knife.

Figure 3.7 : Cutter And How To Cut The Board.

iii.

Drilling

Use normal low or high speed drills. Place scrap board under the drilling location to ensure a clean hole.

iv.

Sanding

Sand with conventional sand papers.

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Painting

Prime board before painting. For water based paints apply a watered down first coat. For oil based paints use a universal primer. For textured paints use manufacturer's recommended sealer. Alkali resistant primers are not required.

vi.

Health and safety

Uco smooth plank / uco sedartex woodgrain plank is formulated without asbestos or any other inorganic fibre, and no special precautions are necessary in handling or working. When using power saws in a confined space, dust extraction equipment is recommended to control dust levels.

Boards will support their own weight, but are not load bearing.

vii.

Fixing instructions

When fixing uco smooth plank/uco sedartex woodgrain plank use nails for timber frames or screws for metal frames. The planks are to be overlapped with minimum recommended lap of 25mm. For ease of use, fabricate lap gauges from timber.

In using metal stud clips, they are simply positioned along the top of the planks and fixed directly to studs through the top leg of the clip, thereby allowing lateral movement of the planks. The metal stud clips are designed to give a plank overlap of 25mm.

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Timber frames

Fix Planks at each batten with 2.8mm x 40mm galvanized wire nails through both thicknesses of Planks as shown. Nail may be driven flush with the Plank surface.

Figure 3.8 : 2.8mm X 40mm Galvanized Wire Nails Fix With Planks

When using Metal Stud Clips, position clips at each batten and fix with galvanized wire nails through the hole in the top leg as shown.

Figure 3.9 : Position Clips At Each Batten

ix.

Metal frames

Planks are fixed to light gauge 1.2mm nominal thickness steel frame 8/18mm x 35mm self-embedding head, 'wing teks' screws. Fix planks at each stud by driving screws through the top planks only immediately above the lap as

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shown. Self-embedding head screws should be driven flush with the plank face. Do not over-drive.

Figure 3.10 : Planks Fixed At Each Stud By Driving Screws

When using Metal Stud Clips, fix clips to metal frames at each batten with short, 5mm diameter hex. head Teks screws or similar.

figure 3.11 : clips fixed to metal frames at each batten

Extreme care must be taken to drive screws as close as possible to the corners of the studs to avoid deflection of the stud flange.

Figure 3.12 : Wrong And Correct Way x.

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Upvc jointers are used to off-batten joint uco smooth plank / uco sedartex woodgrain plank they are installed in each vertical joint as the plank fixing proceeds. Joints should be staggered up the wall face. Upvc jointers carry down to lap over the top edge of the previous course of planks and are finished flush with the exposed edge.

Figure 3.13 : Fascia Board Detail

xi.

Corner details

Plank ends are cut flush with corner battens and fitted with aluminium metal corners. Alternatively, 50mm x 25mm sawn timber stops may be fixed at all external corners and 25mm x 25mm stops at internal corners.

Figure 3.14 : External Corner Detail

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Figure 3.15 : Internal Corner Detail

xii.

Exposed conditions

On upper storey additions or situations where wind driven rain can be deflected upwards (for example from a lower roof area or in very exposed situations generally), special precautions are necessary.

Figure 3.16 : Wind Driven Rain Deflected Upwards

Walls exposed in this manner should be fully sarked with aluminium foil or similar flashing. Fix sarking to the outside of the studs so that it overlaps the roof flashing.

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Figure 3.17 : Flashing On Roof

3.4.4 Example that use uco superflex plank

Figure 3.18 : Resort

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CHAPTER 4 DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDING 4.0

Introduction all data that analysis in this chapter are using surveying, interviewing

and personal observation. in this chapter, all data that was collected will be guide the study and make conclusion.

4.1

Survey Consider the experience gathered with natural concrete fiber

respondence use in their projects. All the data were recorded as shown in Table 1 and referred to the graph in figure. The results showed that 17% of the total architect has less than 5 years of experience in using natural concrete fiber. Recorded the highest percentage of 28% experienced 5 -10 years. While from the supplier of 37% experienced more than 15 years. Contructor most people did not have extensive experience in using this material.

Table 4.1: Data experience use of natural concrete fiber

EXPERIENCES

ARCHITECT(%)

SUPPLIER(%)

CONTRUCTOR(%)

0 - 5 YEARS

25

10

33

5 - 10 YEARS

28

28

20

10 - 15 YEARS

27

25

22

>15 YEARS

20

37

25

TOTAL

100

100

100

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% OF USERS

40 35 30 25 20 15 EXPERIENCES

10 5 Figure 4.1: Data experience use natural concrete fiber

4.2

Interview Through interviews conducted, the respondents expressed their

views on the use of natural concrete fiber and non-natural concrete fiber.

Select a small number of both types of fiber in the opinion of both types of material has advantages and disadvantages. Table 4.2 shows the percentage of respondents preference. While the figure shows the graph of the results based on the schedule.

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Table 4.2: The percentage of respondents preference

RESPONDENCE

NATURAL

NON-NATURAL

BOTH TYPE OF

ARCHITECT

78%

15%

7%

SUPPLIER

35%

52%

13%

CONSTRUCTOR

12%

68%

20%

% OF USERS

90 80 70 60 50

ARCHIT

40

SUPPLI

30

CONTR

20 10

RESPONDENT'S PREFERENCE

0 NATURAL FIBER NON‐NATURAL

BOTH

Figure 4.2: The percentage of respondents preference

4.3

Personal Observation (From internet and magazine) Internet and magazine is one method in this study. The main

purpose is to see how far the use of natural concrete fiber in the design of buildings in Malaysia and overseas . table 4.3 shows the frequency of use of this material in the design.

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Table 4.3: Prevalence of the used of Natural concrete Fiber in Malayasia and Manchester TYPE OF BUILDING

MALAYSIA

MANCHESTER

RESIDENTAL

√√

√√√

COMMUNITY

√√√

√√

EDUCATION

√√

√√

COMMERCIAL

√√

√√√

ADMINISTRATION

√√

√√

√ rarely

4.4

√√ evarage

√√√ widely

Conclusion Conclution obtained based on each decision being analyzed are:

the majority of the group is the most experienced supplier in handling natural fiber cement. This shows that they are the earliest pioneers in the introduction of this material in Malaysia. While the architect about the parties involved in selecting material based on their proposed design.

This is connected with the agreement by the client who will accept or reject the proposal. Contractor is implementing the project. So they just carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them by the architect and indirectly they are exposed to new technologies and tries to introduce this technology to advance their business. Architect is the most amenable to the use of this new material, and few people who prefer non-fiber concrete and the rest opted for the two types of fiber to suit the project. For suppliers, they are more interested in non-natural fiber concrete as the material more marketable. The contructor also shared

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his opinion with the supplier to choose non-natural fiber concrete. This case is related to client budget and own client requirements. It also caused the use of natural concrete fiber still widespread in Malaysia.

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CHAPTER 5

CONCLUTION 5.0

Introduction After completion of the data analysis, a conclusion was made.

Conclusions take into account the effectiveness of the natural concrete fiber in the present design. It also took into account the views and opinions of some of this material.

5.1

Conclusion Natural introduction to the design of fiber concrete brought many

consequences to face the present design. The effectiveness of this material gave positive impact on consumers' perception has managed to bring a new phenomenon in the industry. Such technology has been proven effective and is getting good response from all over the world. The design of a building is based on the environment and climate of a place. In this study we can see, the example projects that use natural fiber cement as a finish material. Most people think that the beauty of a beautiful building if enough away from the eyes. But few have think that, the selection of material is also important to ensure the comfort and also not harmful to the environment. Selection of eco-friendly material it is important to achieve Green Building Index (GBI) because in terms of manufacturing an impact on the environment. Related parties in the design of the field should consider how best to promote this material to the public.

Advantages using natural fiber cement are save time, do not pollute the environment. The material that is safe and durable compare

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to the non-natural concrete fiber. It also low maintenances and be

able

to

withstand

the

hot

weather

and

cold

weather.

Although it is still new in the market in Malaysia, it does not mean that can not be used in Malaysia. This is because this material is very suitable for use in countries such as Malaysia.

5.2

Suggestion

The use of natural concrete fiber gave a very good impact on the environment. Widespread use in the design is the need to promote this material to the public. The first step to be taken is the use of this material in building a spotlight as residential, and commercial. The second step was to conduct an act that suits to ensure appropriate use and safe material to the environment continues to be widely used.

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REFERENCE Liu, Y. W., & Pan, H. H. (2010). Properties of natural fiber cement boards for building partitions. Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions in Structural Engineering and Construction – Ghafoori (ed.), 595 - 600. marleyetenit. (2011). Natura fiber cement decoratvie cladding. In L. R. Marley Eternit Limited, Branston, Burton on Trent, DE14 3HD (Ed.), (pp. 24): Marley Eternit Limited.

Ni, Y. (1995). Natural Fibre Reinforced Cement Composites. Australia Department Of Mechanical Engineering Victoria University Of Technology Australia.

Omar, W. B., & Awang, A. Z. (2007). A Fundamental Study Of Improving Ductility Of Reinforced High-Strength Concrete (Hsc) Members.

Sivaraja, M., & Kandasamyb, S. (2011). Potential Reuse Of Waste Rice Husk As Fibre Composites In Concrete. Asian Journal Of Civil Engineering (Building And Housing), 12(205-217).

Amit Rai, & C.N.Jha. (2007). Natural fibre composites and its potential As building materials. New Delhi Fibre

reinforced concrete.

(1997).

1999,2001,2008. http://www.cnci.org.za/cnci/inf/leaflets_html/fibre.html

from

Filho, R. D. T., Joseph, K., Ghavami, K., & England, G. L. (1999). Use of sisal fibre as reinforcement in Cement based composites. institute, c. c. ( 2010). cement & concrete institute. midrand: the cement & concrete institute, midrand.

Majumdar. (1975). Fibre Reinforced Concrete market, T. a. t. t. f. (2000). Inorganic fibers. Firenze,Italy: Technica snc - Via del Caravaggio, 43 - 50143 Firenze (Italy).

Reis, J. M. L. (2006). Fracture And Flexural Characterization Of Natural FiberReinforced Polymer Concrete section VI Other Natural Fibres. (2008). india: Retrieved from http://texmin.nic.in/policy/Fibre_Policy_Sub_%20Groups_Report_dir_mg_d_20 100608_6.pdf.

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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION 1.0

Introduction Natural fibers are either produced from materials such as plants, animals

or minerals which resources derived from the surrounding area. For example, coconut fronds and bunches when undergoing the diffusion process will produce fiber pathways that can be used to produce fiber board for construction materials.

Many developing countries are rich in agriculture and natural fibers. However, it is widely used as a fuel source and its use as construction material can be considered less. Concrete is a natural fiber is one of the materials used in construction. This study will focus on the use of this material as one of the building materials used in the building structure and finishes based on the opinion of the respondents.

1.1

Problem Statement The use of natural concrete fiber as a finish material is a new idea to take

advantage of the natural resources that had been used only for purposes tertentu.ia also saves pollution, safe and durable and has the potential to maintain comfort in bangunan.Bahan fiber is an alternative building materials as well as materials existing building such as glass, steel and so on. In Malaysia, the phenomenon is too new and should be explored. Therefore, more detailed studies need to be done on this material.

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To address this problem, the step to be taken is to commercialize technologies involving natural fiber materials from local sources. Possibilities that can be identified is the use of local natural fibers, which are easily available and much cheaper. Example of local natural fiber such as coconut, bagasse and banana.

1.2

Research Objective This study was planned and carried out to demonstrate the use of natural

fiber concrete is suitable for use in equatorial climates like Malaysia who experience hot and humid weather throughout the year based on the study of a number of countries have started to use natural fiber cement finish as their building material.

1.3

Scope and Area of Research The location chosen was in the Klang Valley to undertake a survey of the

use of this material. The study involved data collection through literature review on the features and use of natural fibers in the construction industry. The study was done with reference to the findings of previous researchers derived from the journals, theses, books, and internet. Able to demonstrate the potential use of natural fibers compared between national and local.

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CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW 2.0

Introduction Fibers have been used to toughen bricks and pottery since the very

beginning of civilization, but only in the last twenty five years have the principles of fibre reinforcement of brittle matrices began to be scientifically understood. Initially, it was suggested that the cracking strain of brittle matrices, such as cement paste mortar and concrete, could be significantly increased by using closely spaced fibers (Romauldi & Batson, 1963). The experimental studies showed that the stress at which a brittle matrix will crack can be slightly increased by using high modulus fibres but, in general, the cracking strain of the matrix remains unaltered. Considerable modification in the behavior of the material was observed once the matrix has been cracked.

The fibers bridge across the cracks and so provide post-cracking ductility.

Although the strain at cracking does not increase due to fibre

reinforcement, the tensile strain at rupture does, resulting in a tough material with high resistance to impact loading.(Filho, Joseph, Ghavami, & England, 1999)

A wide variety of fibres have thus been used with cement based matrices. They include metallic fibres, polymeric fibres, mineral fibres and vegetable fibres. The cement matrices can consist of paste, mortar or

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concrete. Most of the developments with fibre reinforced concrete involve the use of ordinary Portland cement. (Filho et al., 1999)

Organic fibers, including sisal, coconut, jute, bamboo and wood fibers, are prospective reinforcing materials and their use until now has been more empirical than technical. They have been tried as reinforcement for cement matrices in developing countries mainly to produce low-cost thin elements for use in housing schemes. Organic fibres require only a low degree of industrialization for their processing and in comparison with an equivalent weight of the most common synthetic reinforcing fibres, the energy required for their production is small and hence the cost of fabricating these composites is also low.(Filho et al., 1999)

Most of the developing countries are very rich in agricultural and natural fiber. Except a few exceptions, a large part of agricultural waste is being used as a fuel. India alone produces more than 400 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually. It has got a very large percentage of the total world production of rice husk, jute, stalk, baggase and coconut fibre. All these natural fibres have excellent physical and mechanical properties and can be utilized more effectively in the development of composite materials for various building applications.(Amit Rai & C.N.Jha, 2007)

In Malaysia, there are also lots of researchers who are continuously studying and researching in order to develop the technology of concrete.

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Malaysia is abundantof natural resources, natural resources coming from water and land.

It has become the live hood of many Malaysian. There are millions of hectares of plantations of different woods, plants and vegetables like sugarcane, pineapple, coconut and many more. Unfortunately these live hoods also contribute to the increasing volume of wastes generated every year. After harvesting the fruit and other essential parts of the plant, there are residues. Their remainders are huge amount of stalk, branches, leaves, and empty fruit branches.

2.1

Natural Concrete Fiber Natural fibers can be defined as bio based fibers or fibers from

vegetable and animal origin. Based on their origin, natural fibers can also be classified as cellulosic (from plants) and protein (from animals). Excluded here are mineral fibers such as asbestos that occur naturally but are not bio based.

Other natural fibers as defined for this policy are of plant origin, cellulosic and renewable.(section VI Other Natural Fibres, 2008)

2.1.1 Organic natural fibers Natural reinforcing materials can be obtained at low cost and low levels of energy using local manpower and technology. Utilization of natural fibres as a form of concrete reinforcement is of particular interest to less developed regions where conventional construction materials are not readily available or are too expensive. Sisal-fibre reinforced concrete has been used for making

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roof tiles, corrugated sheets, pipes, silos and tanks. Elephant-grass-reinforced mortar has been used for low-cost housing projects. Wood-cellulosefibrereinforced cement has commercial applications in the manufacture of flat and corrugated sheet and non-pressure pipes. Natural fibres can be either unprocessed or processed. (Majumdar, 1975)

i)

Unprocessed natural fibers Products made with unprocessed natural fibres such as coconut coir,

sisal, sugarcane bagasse, bamboo, jute, wood and organic fibres have been tested in a number of countries. Problems have been reported with the longterm durability of some of the products. The properties of concrete made using unprocessed natural fibres depend on a number of factors including the type and length of fibre as well as the volume fraction. To show some improvement in mechanical properties, the minimum fibre content is of the order of 3% by volume.(institute, 2010) ii)

Processed natural fibers Wood cellulose is the most frequently used natural fiber. It is most

commonly obtained using the Kraft process. This process involves cooking wood chips in a solution of sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium sulphide. Different grades of wood-cellulose fibre containing more or less of the three main constituents, cellulose, hemicellulose and ligna can be obtained by bleaching.

Wood-cellulose fibre has relatively good mechanical properties compared with many man-made fibres such as polypropylene, polyethylene,

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polyester and acrylic. Delignified cellulose fibre can be produced with tensile strengths up to approximately 2.0 GPa from selected grades of wood, and using suitable pulping processes. Fibre tensile strengths of 500 MPa can be routinely obtained using a chemical pulping process and the more common, less expensive, grades of wood. Using conventional mixing techniques, the amount of fibre that can be incorporated into the cement matrix at low water contents is limited by the capacity of the fibres to be mixed uniformly into the matrix. Fabrication techniques that involve mixing fibre with the matrix at initially high water contents and then using dewatering procedures are therefore effective and common.

Wood-cellulose fiber that has not been delignified can adversely affect the curing of the cement matrix. This is because leaching of sugar and other organic impurities into the cement matrix can retard or completely inhibit cement set. Results obtained from autoclaved wood-cellulose cement composites indicate that such products can be sensitive to moisture content.

Published information on the performance of wood-cellulose fibre composites is conflicting.(institute, 2010)

However, Bentur and Mindess state: "Although the strength and other properties of the cellulose-pulp fibre are inferior to those of many other fibres, such as asbestos, they are highly cost effective. This, combined with their compatibility with processes for producing asbestos cement, makes the cellulose-pulp fibres an attractive alternative to asbestos. As a result of intensive research and development, cellulose-pulp fibres are now used in

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some places as partial or full replacement for asbestos in cement composites."("Fibre reinforced concrete," 1997)

iii)

Coconut fiber Coconut fiber is obtained from the fibrous husk (mesocarp) of the

coconut (Cocos nucifera) from the coconut palm, which belongs to the palm family (Palmae). Coconut fiber, called coir, can be extracted simply soaking the husk in water or, alternatively, by using mechanical process.

Coconut fiber has a high lignin content and thus a low cellulose content, as a result of which it is resilient, strong and highly durable. The remarkable lightness of the fibers is due to the cavities arising from the dried out sieve cells. Coconut fiber contains a high lignin ratio that makes fibers stiffer and tougher, high air porosity (95%), heat retardant, biodegradable and considered as a renewable source.(Reis, 2006)

Figure 2.1: Coconut fiber

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Sugar cane bagasse Sugarcane refining generates a large volume of residue called

bagasse. Disposal of bagasse is critical for both agricultural profitability and environmental protection.

The sugarcane stalk consists of two parts: an inner pith containing most of the sucrose and an outer rind with lignocellulosic fibers. During refining, the sugarcane stalk is crushed to extract the sucrose. This procedure produces a large volume of residue, bagasse, containing both crushed rind and pith fibers.

Previous research on bagasse has suggested many approaches to converting bagasse into value-added industrial products, such as liquid fuels, feed stocks, enzymes and activated carbon. Use of bagasse fiber for manufacturing material products is another prospective solution. Compared to pure

synthetic

materials,

bagasse

fiber-based

materials

have

two

advantageous features, light weight and renewability.

Waste bagasse is manually sifted and put into an alkaline solution for boiling to remove lignin. After the treatment, bagasse fiber is rinsed with water and dried in an electric oven. (Reis, 2006)

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Figure 2.2: Sugar Cane Bagasse

v)

Banana fiber Banana fiber, the cellulosic fibers obtained from the pseudo-stem of

banana plant (Musa Sepientum) is a best fiber with relatively good mechanical properties. The banana plant, often erroneously referred to as a “tree”, is a large herb, with succulent, pseudo stem which is a cylinder of leaf-petiole sheaths, reaching a height of 6–7.5 m and arising from a fleshy rhizome or corm.

Plants are large, herbaceous monocots, reaching 7.5 m in some cultivars. The “trunk” or pseudo stem is not a true stem, but only the clustered, cylindrical aggregation of leaf stalk bases. (institute, 2010)

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Figure 3.3: Banana tree

2.1.2 Non-organic natural fibers non-organic fibers, both metal and non metal ones, are more resistant, more rigid, have an higher melting point and are more heat resistant than traditional fibers. They are also totally uninflammable, but, except for the metal ones, they are fragile. Their textile importance is also limited, whereas they are widely used as reinforcement in composite materials. They are usually excellent in high temperatures and in a corrosive surrounding.(market, 2000)

i)

Glass

In the form first used, glass fibres were found to be alkali reactive and products in which they were used deteriorated rapidly. Alkali resistant glass containing 16% zirconia was successfully formulated in the 1960's and by 1971 was in commercial production in the UK. Other sources of alkaliresistant glass were developed during the 1970's and 1980's in other parts of the world, with higher zirconia contents. Alkali-resistant glass fibre is used in the manufacture of glass-reinforced cement (GRC) products, which have a 11

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wide range of applications. Glass fibre is available in continuous or chopped lengths. Fibre lengths of up to 35-mm are used in spray applications and 25mm lengths are used in premix applications.(institute, 2010)

Figure 2.4: Glass fiber

Glass fibre has high tensile strength (2 – 4 GPa) and elasticmodulus (70 – 80 GPa) but has brittle stress-straincharacteristics(2,5 – 4,8% elongation at break) and lowcreep at room temperature. Claims have been made that upto 5% glass fibre by volume has been used successfully insandcement mortar without balling. Glass-fibre products exposed to outdoor environment haveshown a loss of strength and ductility. The reasons for this are not clear and it is speculated that alkali attack or fibre embrittlement are possible causes. Because of the lack of data on long-term durability, GRC has been confined to non-structural uses where it has wide applications. It is suitable for use in direct spray techniques and premix processes and has been used as a replacement for asbestos fibre in flat sheet, pipes and a 12

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variety of precast products. GRC products are used extensively in agriculture; for architectural cladding and components; and for small containers. (institute, 2010)

Figure 2.5: Steel fiber

ii)

Steel Steel fibers have been used in concrete since the early 1900s. The

early fibres were round and smooth and the wire was cut or chopped to the required lengths. The use of straight, smooth fibres has largely disappeared and modern fibres have either rough surfaces, hooked ends or are crimped or undulated through their length. Modern commercially available steel fibres are manufactured from drawn steel wire, from slit sheet steel or by the meltextraction process which produces fibres that have a crescent-shaped cross section. Typically steel fibres have equivalent diameters (based on cross sectional area) of from 0.15 mm to 2 mm and lengths from 7 to 75 mm.

Aspect ratios generally range from 20 to 100. (Aspect ratio is defined as the ratio between fibre length and its equivalent diameter, which is the diameter of a circle with an area equal to the cross-sectional area of the fibre). Carbon

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steels are most commonly used to produce fibres but fibres made from corrosion-resistant alloys are available. Stainless steel fibres have been used for high-temperature applications. (institute, 2010)

Some fibres are collated into bundles using water-soluble glue to facilitate handling and mixing. Steel fibres have high tensile strength (0.5 – 2 GPa) and modulus of elasticity (200 GPa), a ductile/plastic stress-strain characteristic and low creep. Steel fibres have been used in conventional concrete mixes, shotcrete and slurry-infiltrated fibre concrete. Typically, content of steel fiber ranges from 0.25% to 2,0% by volume. Fibre contents in excess of 2% by volume generally result in poor workability and fibre distribution, but can be used successfully where the paste content of the mix is increased and the size of coarse aggregate is not larger than about 10 mm.

Steel-fibre-reinforced concrete containing up to 1.5% fibre by volume has been pumped successfully using pipelines of 125 to 150 mm diameter. Steel fibre contents up to 2% by volume have been used in shotcrete applications using both the wet and dry processes. Steel fibre contents of up to 25% by volume have been obtained in slurry-infiltrated fibre concrete. Concretes containing steel fibre have been shown to have substantially improved resistance to impact and greater ductility of failure in compression, flexure and torsion. Similarly, it is reported that the elastic modulus in compression and modulus of rigidity in torsion are no different before cracking when compared with plain concrete tested under similar conditions. It has been reported that steel-fibre-reinforced concrete, because of the improved ductility, could find applications where impact resistance is important. Fatigue resistance of the

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concrete is reported to be increased by up to 70%. It is thought that the inclusion of steel fibre as supplementary reinforcement in concrete could assist in the reduction of spalling due to thermal shock and thermal gradients. (institute, 2010)

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CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.0

Introduction The study conducted a case study is a survey research(study case

reviews) that requires a variety of methods. The choice of a particular method should be made systematically and effectively so that the results obtained meetrequirements of the original goals and objectives. This point is illustrated in the following figure 3.1:

OBJECTIVE OF RESEARCH

PROBLEM STATEMENT

LITERATURE REVIEW

DATA COLLECTION

DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS

CONCLUTION Figure 3.1: Flow chart of research method

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3.1

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Research Information This study is to obtain some information to make a decision whether

natural concrete fiber is suitable or not used in Malaysia. the procedure is to interview a number of suppliers and architect whose experienced with some building materials in construction and smart in choosing building materials. some constructor also interviewed as they are experienced in construction projects and in choose the best quality construction materials.

3.2

Method of Data Collection Data collection will be collect using survey, interview and personal

observation.

3.2.1 Surveying Data collection consisting of architect, suppliers and contructor with the aim to find out how long their experience in using natural concrete fiber.

3.2.2 Interview The interview will be given a choice between the natural concrete fiber or non-natural concrete fiber. Then asked respondents opinion about the material their priorities. All data is recorded.

3.2.3 Personal observation (Internet, Magazine) Studies of materials that was used in Malaysia and overseas. The specification of that material will be show.

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Case Study I: Natura Fiber Concrete Decorative Cladding

3.3.1 Application The application of natural fiber concrete in decorating cladding can be divided as follows. i)

Commercial applications From offices and supermarkets, to retail and leisure, Natura cladding

can be used to create unique aesthetic solutions generating pristine lines as well as providing levels of thermal and acoustic insulation.

ii)

Healthcare applications Local Health Authorities are under ever-greater constraints to procure

buildings that offer the very highest standards of thermal efficiency and sustainability, often coupled with the need to build rapidly.

iii)

Education applications In schools and universities, thermal performance is of paramount

importance, but so are other issues such as those of impact resistance, low maintenance and ‘high value aesthetics’ which go together to create effective and efficient learning environments that the students respect and enjoy.

iv)

Housing applications Natura can be used for individual houses, low rise and high rise

apartment projects, where overcladding is commonly used as an effective

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means of visual and thermal upgrade. Advantages of natural fiber concrete in decorative cladding are: • Tactile, smooth surface • Variegated or natural fibre cement finish • Choice of subtly pigmented surfaces • Class 0 fire performance • Economical • Secret fix system • Natura panels have an installed life expectancy of at least 50 years • Easy to fix • Designed for rainscreen cladding systems • Excellent weather resistance • Resistant to insects, mould growth and fungi • No routine maintenance required • Suitable for a wide range of high quality facade applications • Available with an anti-graffiti coating

3.3.2 A rain screen solution i)

Insulation • Insulation of up to 240mm thickness can be accommodated using a Marley Eternit framing system.

• All types of insulation can be used – from rigid pur to mineral wool insulation positioned against substrate maximises heat retention and minimises condensation issues • Externally located insulation maximises internal floor space.

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• Mineral wool insulation allows moisture to pass through to the cavity where passage of air evaporates it.

Figure 3.2: Insulation ii)

Rainwater Removal • Cladding prevents penetration of most rain water, natural ventilation, stack effect evaporates penetrating rain.

• Residual rainwater drains harmlessly and evacuates at base of system.

• Pressure equalized system naturally inhibits ingress of driven rain.

Figure 3.3: Show penetration of most rain water

iii)

Removal Of Interstitial Condensation • Thermally efficient system.

• Any interstitial condensation kept to outside of structure.

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• Quickly removed via evaporation.

• Structure maintained at even temperature.

• Structure temperature kept above dew point.

Figure 3.4: Thermal Remove

iv)

Minimization of thermal bridging • Continuous insulation envelope possible.

• Insulation is external, so no thermal breaks required to accommodate internal structural elements such as floors and beams.

Figure 3.5: Thermal Along Structural

3.3.3 Site work and storage of fiber concrete i)

Cutting 21

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When cutting fibre cement, saw blades of the highest quality should be used; diamond tipped circular saws: diamond tipped for Mafell panel saws; ABC saw blades for compass saws; tungsten carbide black jigsaw blades.

Silicon carbide and diamond cutting discs should not be used for cutting fibre cement. Cutting and feeding speeds will be dependent on the power tool used and by practical trial.

ii)

Drilling For pre-drilling panels cleanly and accurately, we recommend using

HSS (high speed steel) drills or tungsten carbide-tipped drills. Hole diameter will depend upon the framing to be fixed back to timber or metal framing.

Immediately remove dust from cutting/drill holes using a vacuum or soft brush or dry soft and clean cloths. It is advisable to coat the undercut anchor holes with Luko solution.

iii)

Finishes Natural panels are supplied with unfinished edges and must be cut by a

specialist fabricator. Cut edges of Natura must be sealed with Luko solution.

iv)

Health and safety Fiber cement is a modern, reinforced construction material made from

natural and environmentally neutral raw materials, predominantly Portland cement.

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Transport conditions The panels should be moved in stacks using a fork-lift truck or a crane.

Individual panels should be carried vertically and should not be set down on corners. Stacks should be transported under a waterproof cover.

vi)

Storage and handling Natura should be stored and transported on a flat, dry surface which

gives support over the entire area. Stack to a maximum height of 1m, preferably on pallets, or on dry wooden slats placed sufficiently close to avoid sagging. The panels should be covered, for example with a heavy-duty tarpaulin, to protect against dampness, weather and dirt. The covering must remain in place at all times for stacked material. Individual panels should be stored on edge with air circulation on both sides. If only one side of a panel dries out or becomes damp this can lead to deformation. Paper or foil is inserted between front surfaces to protect the high quality finish, and this should be kept in place when restacking. Stack the panels front face to front face or rear surface to rear surface. Each panel should belifted from the pile by two workers, removed without scraping the other panels and then carried vertically. Natura panels should always be carried upright.

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3.3.4 Example project that use natural fiber cement

Figure 3.6: Mazarin House, 16 St Johns Gardens, The Rock, Bury

3.4

Case Study II: UCO supertex plank

UCO Supertex Plank is an autoclaved cellulose fibre cement plank. It is an asbestos free building product available in two surface finishes, permanent woodgrain and smooth textures.

3.4.1 Application Ideal for siding, gable end and fascia.

3.4.2 Advantages of superflex plank i. Non hazardous to health • 100% asbestos-free.

ii. Fire resistant • Does not burn easily.

• Class "O" building material conformed to Uniform Building By-Law.

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iii. Durable • Resistant to rot and water damage.

• Not affected by termite or other insect/vermin attack.

• When used and installed correctly, it does not crack or warp.

• Chemical resistant to mild acid corrosion.

iv. Environmental Friendly • Minimise the cutting of trees.

v. Dimensionally Stable • An autoclaved composite material with a stable crystalline structure which is resilient to changes in temperature and humidity. Less shrinkage compared to air-cured products.

vi. Surface Finish Versatility • Readily accepts a wide range of surface finishes, e.g. acrylic, emulsion, lamination, ceramic, stones, marble, etc.

vii. Easy to install • Lighter weight building material, less labour intensive.

viii. Minimal Maintenance • Virtually Maintenance free - Cost effective.

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3.4.3 Working guideline i.

General

Use normal woodworking tools.

ii.

Cutting

Use a fine-toothed panel saw. Work with fair face upwards and support the board as cutting progresses. Quick and easy rough cuts can be made by scoring boards with a knife and snapping over a straight edge. This can be done using UAC's special tungsten tipped Score and Snap knife.

Figure 3.7 : Cutter And How To Cut The Board.

iii.

Drilling

Use normal low or high speed drills. Place scrap board under the drilling location to ensure a clean hole.

iv.

Sanding

Sand with conventional sand papers.

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Painting

Prime board before painting. For water based paints apply a watered down first coat. For oil based paints use a universal primer. For textured paints use manufacturer's recommended sealer. Alkali resistant primers are not required.

vi.

Health and safety

Uco smooth plank / uco sedartex woodgrain plank is formulated without asbestos or any other inorganic fibre, and no special precautions are necessary in handling or working. When using power saws in a confined space, dust extraction equipment is recommended to control dust levels.

Boards will support their own weight, but are not load bearing.

vii.

Fixing instructions

When fixing uco smooth plank/uco sedartex woodgrain plank use nails for timber frames or screws for metal frames. The planks are to be overlapped with minimum recommended lap of 25mm. For ease of use, fabricate lap gauges from timber.

In using metal stud clips, they are simply positioned along the top of the planks and fixed directly to studs through the top leg of the clip, thereby allowing lateral movement of the planks. The metal stud clips are designed to give a plank overlap of 25mm.

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Timber frames

Fix Planks at each batten with 2.8mm x 40mm galvanized wire nails through both thicknesses of Planks as shown. Nail may be driven flush with the Plank surface.

Figure 3.8 : 2.8mm X 40mm Galvanized Wire Nails Fix With Planks

When using Metal Stud Clips, position clips at each batten and fix with galvanized wire nails through the hole in the top leg as shown.

Figure 3.9 : Position Clips At Each Batten

ix.

Metal frames

Planks are fixed to light gauge 1.2mm nominal thickness steel frame 8/18mm x 35mm self-embedding head, 'wing teks' screws. Fix planks at each stud by driving screws through the top planks only immediately above the lap as

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shown. Self-embedding head screws should be driven flush with the plank face. Do not over-drive.

Figure 3.10 : Planks Fixed At Each Stud By Driving Screws

When using Metal Stud Clips, fix clips to metal frames at each batten with short, 5mm diameter hex. head Teks screws or similar.

figure 3.11 : clips fixed to metal frames at each batten

Extreme care must be taken to drive screws as close as possible to the corners of the studs to avoid deflection of the stud flange.

Figure 3.12 : Wrong And Correct Way x.

Jointing 29

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Upvc jointers are used to off-batten joint uco smooth plank / uco sedartex woodgrain plank they are installed in each vertical joint as the plank fixing proceeds. Joints should be staggered up the wall face. Upvc jointers carry down to lap over the top edge of the previous course of planks and are finished flush with the exposed edge.

Figure 3.13 : Fascia Board Detail

xi.

Corner details

Plank ends are cut flush with corner battens and fitted with aluminium metal corners. Alternatively, 50mm x 25mm sawn timber stops may be fixed at all external corners and 25mm x 25mm stops at internal corners.

Figure 3.14 : External Corner Detail

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Figure 3.15 : Internal Corner Detail

xii.

Exposed conditions

On upper storey additions or situations where wind driven rain can be deflected upwards (for example from a lower roof area or in very exposed situations generally), special precautions are necessary.

Figure 3.16 : Wind Driven Rain Deflected Upwards

Walls exposed in this manner should be fully sarked with aluminium foil or similar flashing. Fix sarking to the outside of the studs so that it overlaps the roof flashing.

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Figure 3.17 : Flashing On Roof

3.4.4 Example that use uco superflex plank

Figure 3.18 : Resort

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CHAPTER 4 DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDING 4.0

Introduction all data that analysis in this chapter are using surveying, interviewing

and personal observation. in this chapter, all data that was collected will be guide the study and make conclusion.

4.1

Survey Consider the experience gathered with natural concrete fiber

respondence use in their projects. All the data were recorded as shown in Table 1 and referred to the graph in figure. The results showed that 17% of the total architect has less than 5 years of experience in using natural concrete fiber. Recorded the highest percentage of 28% experienced 5 -10 years. While from the supplier of 37% experienced more than 15 years. Contructor most people did not have extensive experience in using this material.

Table 4.1: Data experience use of natural concrete fiber

EXPERIENCES

ARCHITECT(%)

SUPPLIER(%)

CONTRUCTOR(%)

0 - 5 YEARS

25

10

33

5 - 10 YEARS

28

28

20

10 - 15 YEARS

27

25

22

>15 YEARS

20

37

25

TOTAL

100

100

100

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% OF USERS

40 35 30 25 20 15 EXPERIENCES

10 5 Figure 4.1: Data experience use natural concrete fiber

4.2

Interview Through interviews conducted, the respondents expressed their

views on the use of natural concrete fiber and non-natural concrete fiber.

Select a small number of both types of fiber in the opinion of both types of material has advantages and disadvantages. Table 4.2 shows the percentage of respondents preference. While the figure shows the graph of the results based on the schedule.

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Table 4.2: The percentage of respondents preference

RESPONDENCE

NATURAL

NON-NATURAL

BOTH TYPE OF

ARCHITECT

78%

15%

7%

SUPPLIER

35%

52%

13%

CONSTRUCTOR

12%

68%

20%

% OF USERS

90 80 70 60 50

ARCHIT

40

SUPPLI

30

CONTR

20 10

RESPONDENT'S PREFERENCE

0 NATURAL FIBER NON‐NATURAL

BOTH

Figure 4.2: The percentage of respondents preference

4.3

Personal Observation (From internet and magazine) Internet and magazine is one method in this study. The main

purpose is to see how far the use of natural concrete fiber in the design of buildings in Malaysia and overseas . table 4.3 shows the frequency of use of this material in the design.

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Table 4.3: Prevalence of the used of Natural concrete Fiber in Malayasia and Manchester TYPE OF BUILDING

MALAYSIA

MANCHESTER

RESIDENTAL

√√

√√√

COMMUNITY

√√√

√√

EDUCATION

√√

√√

COMMERCIAL

√√

√√√

ADMINISTRATION

√√

√√

√ rarely

4.4

√√ evarage

√√√ widely

Conclusion Conclution obtained based on each decision being analyzed are:

the majority of the group is the most experienced supplier in handling natural fiber cement. This shows that they are the earliest pioneers in the introduction of this material in Malaysia. While the architect about the parties involved in selecting material based on their proposed design.

This is connected with the agreement by the client who will accept or reject the proposal. Contractor is implementing the project. So they just carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them by the architect and indirectly they are exposed to new technologies and tries to introduce this technology to advance their business. Architect is the most amenable to the use of this new material, and few people who prefer non-fiber concrete and the rest opted for the two types of fiber to suit the project. For suppliers, they are more interested in non-natural fiber concrete as the material more marketable. The contructor also shared

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his opinion with the supplier to choose non-natural fiber concrete. This case is related to client budget and own client requirements. It also caused the use of natural concrete fiber still widespread in Malaysia.

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CHAPTER 5

CONCLUTION 5.0

Introduction After completion of the data analysis, a conclusion was made.

Conclusions take into account the effectiveness of the natural concrete fiber in the present design. It also took into account the views and opinions of some of this material.

5.1

Conclusion Natural introduction to the design of fiber concrete brought many

consequences to face the present design. The effectiveness of this material gave positive impact on consumers' perception has managed to bring a new phenomenon in the industry. Such technology has been proven effective and is getting good response from all over the world. The design of a building is based on the environment and climate of a place. In this study we can see, the example projects that use natural fiber cement as a finish material. Most people think that the beauty of a beautiful building if enough away from the eyes. But few have think that, the selection of material is also important to ensure the comfort and also not harmful to the environment. Selection of eco-friendly material it is important to achieve Green Building Index (GBI) because in terms of manufacturing an impact on the environment. Related parties in the design of the field should consider how best to promote this material to the public.

Advantages using natural fiber cement are save time, do not pollute the environment. The material that is safe and durable compare

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to the non-natural concrete fiber. It also low maintenances and be

able

to

withstand

the

hot

weather

and

cold

weather.

Although it is still new in the market in Malaysia, it does not mean that can not be used in Malaysia. This is because this material is very suitable for use in countries such as Malaysia.

5.2

Suggestion

The use of natural concrete fiber gave a very good impact on the environment. Widespread use in the design is the need to promote this material to the public. The first step to be taken is the use of this material in building a spotlight as residential, and commercial. The second step was to conduct an act that suits to ensure appropriate use and safe material to the environment continues to be widely used.

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REFERENCE Liu, Y. W., & Pan, H. H. (2010). Properties of natural fiber cement boards for building partitions. Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions in Structural Engineering and Construction – Ghafoori (ed.), 595 - 600. marleyetenit. (2011). Natura fiber cement decoratvie cladding. In L. R. Marley Eternit Limited, Branston, Burton on Trent, DE14 3HD (Ed.), (pp. 24): Marley Eternit Limited.

Ni, Y. (1995). Natural Fibre Reinforced Cement Composites. Australia Department Of Mechanical Engineering Victoria University Of Technology Australia.

Omar, W. B., & Awang, A. Z. (2007). A Fundamental Study Of Improving Ductility Of Reinforced High-Strength Concrete (Hsc) Members.

Sivaraja, M., & Kandasamyb, S. (2011). Potential Reuse Of Waste Rice Husk As Fibre Composites In Concrete. Asian Journal Of Civil Engineering (Building And Housing), 12(205-217).

Amit Rai, & C.N.Jha. (2007). Natural fibre composites and its potential As building materials. New Delhi Fibre

reinforced concrete.

(1997).

1999,2001,2008. http://www.cnci.org.za/cnci/inf/leaflets_html/fibre.html

from

Filho, R. D. T., Joseph, K., Ghavami, K., & England, G. L. (1999). Use of sisal fibre as reinforcement in Cement based composites. institute, c. c. ( 2010). cement & concrete institute. midrand: the cement & concrete institute, midrand.

Majumdar. (1975). Fibre Reinforced Concrete market, T. a. t. t. f. (2000). Inorganic fibers. Firenze,Italy: Technica snc - Via del Caravaggio, 43 - 50143 Firenze (Italy).

Reis, J. M. L. (2006). Fracture And Flexural Characterization Of Natural FiberReinforced Polymer Concrete section VI Other Natural Fibres. (2008). india: Retrieved from http://texmin.nic.in/policy/Fibre_Policy_Sub_%20Groups_Report_dir_mg_d_20 100608_6.pdf.

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