Browsing by Author "Zainab Tolu Giwa"

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    Durability of sisal fiber-reinforced mortar with glass powder as cement substitute in aggressive environment
    (2025) Mutiu Adelodun Akinpelu1; Abdulbaaqi Abiodun Olayiwola; Ash-Shu'ara Marafa Salman; Munirat Romoke Ibrahim; Zainab Tolu Giwa
    Mortar plays a crucial role in construction, serving as a binder in masonry, plastering, and repairs. However, durability remains a key challenge, especially under harsh environmental conditions. This study investigates the durability and mechanical performance of sisal fiber reinforced-mortar (FR-M) incorporating waste glass powder (GP) as a partial cement replacement. Mortar mixes with 0–20% GP and 1% sisal fiber were prepared, and their properties were evaluated under exposure to magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed that GP enhanced the formation of C–S–H gel, reduced porosity, and promoted a denser matrix, which correlated with improved strength and sulfate resistance. The results demonstrated that the balanced mix, which is 7.5% GP with 1% fiber, showed the highest compressive strength (18 MPa) and flexural strength (6.7 MPa) after 90 days of curing. Furthermore, this mix exhibited superior sulfate resistance, with only 13.8% and 14.8% loss in compressive and flexural strengths, respectively, and minimal expansion (0.096 mm). In contrast, higher GP levels (15% and 22.5%) led to reduced strength and durability. This study highlights the combined effect of GP and sisal fiber in improving both the mechanical properties and sulfate resistance of mortar, offering a sustainable solution for durable construction materials
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    Thermal resistance of raffia palm reinforcedconcrete
    (2021) Samson Olalekan Odeyemi; Zainab Tolu Giwa
    There are increasing interests in the usage of natural fibres as reinforcing component for concrete production due totheir enormous properties such as low cost, its abundance and availability. This research examined the thermalresistance of Raffia Palm Fibre (RPF) reinforced concrete. In this study, 0% to 1% fibre content by weight of cementwere incorporated in concrete and their compressive strength were tested after heating. A total number of 36 cubeswere prepared, cured and tested at 28 days. Concrete cubes with 0% fibre was used as control specimen. The cubes’compressive strengths were determined at 0C, 5560C and 6590C at 0 minutes, 5 minutes and 10 minutesrespectively. The result revealed that workability of the concrete declined with a rise in the percentage of raffia palm.There is also a substantial surge in the compressive strength of raffia palm fibre reinforced concrete cubes (RPFRC)compared to the control concrete samples. The compressive strength of the concrete cubes decreased with the risein temperature for the entire samples tested. It was concluded that increasing the percentage fibre content inconcrete reduces the rate of loss in compressive strengths of concrete when subjected to heat.
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    Utilizing Palm Kernel Fibre to Reinforce Cement-Based Composite Panels Blended with Bamboo Leaf Ash to Reinforce Cement-Based Composite Panels Blended with Bamboo Leaf Ash
    (2025) Zainab Tolu Giwa; Uwemedimo Nyong Wilson; Samson Olalekan Odeyemi; Abdullahi Ayodeji Adefila; Emmanuel Olusegun Eyinade1,e Eyinade
    Panel wall systems are increasingly preferred in modern construction due to their efficiency and sustainability. However, conventional cement-based materials are brittle, have limited tensile strength, and are prone to cracking, necessitating reinforced alternatives. This study investigates using palm kernel fiber (PKF) and bamboo leaf ash (BLA) in cement-based composite panels to improve mechanical properties and durability. A water-to-binder ratio of 0.55 and a cement-to-BLA ratio of 3:1 were used, with PKF added in varying proportions from 0% to 4% by binder weight. 165 specimens were cast and tested for density, water absorption, modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and compressive strength at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. The results showed water absorption between 2.5% and 7.5% and densities from 1375 to 1497 kg/m³. The compressive strength was found within the range of 7.6 -16.54N/mm2 and generally decreases with the increasing percentage of fiber contents but increases with curing age. The bending strength (MOR) ranges from 3.03 to 7.24 N/mm², while the modulus of elasticity (MOE) ranges from 6.03 to 10.49 N/mm². Both MOE and MOR increased with curing age and showed a slight increase with fiber content. All results complied with American Concrete Institute (ACI) standards. The study concludes that PKF-reinforced, BLA-blended composite panels exhibit suitable strength and durability for wall construction, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional materials.