Study on Partial Replacement of Cement with Pinus Fiber and Nano Silica in M30 Concrete Paver Blocks: A Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Cement Composite Approach

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 06 | Page : 63 76
    By

    er Shailesh Dabral,

  • Karan Babbar,

  1. M.Tech Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, Quantum University, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Quantum University, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

This study investigates the partial replacement of cement in M30 grade concrete paver blocks using nano silica and Pinus fiber, with a primary focus on mechanical performance, sustainability, and long-term durability and promoting sustainability. Portland cement, a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions, can be partially substituted using supplementary materials to create eco-efficient construction solutions. Nano silica, due to its high pozzolanic reactivity and ultrafine size, improves the microstructure and compressive strength of concrete. Pinus fiber—a lignocellulosic, biodegradable natural fiber derived from pine needles—functions as a micro-reinforcement that enhances ductility, tensile strength, and crack resistance. From a composite material perspective, the integration of fibers into cementitious matrices transforms the concrete into a fiber-reinforced composite. While polymer-based fiber composites have been widely studied, natural fiber reinforcement in concrete matrices presents a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. In this context, Pinus fiber interacts synergistically with nano silica, bridging microcracks and contributing to post-cracking toughness, while nano silica densifies the matrix and boosts hydration. The hybrid composite formed offers enhanced toughness, durability, and resistance to water absorption. The concrete mix was designed using IS 10262:2019 [1], with five variants incorporating nano silica (5–20%) and Pinus fiber (0.5–2%). Experimental results revealed that the optimum mix—comprising 10% nano silica and 1% Pinus fiber (Mix M2)—demonstrated a ~15.4% increase in compressive strength and ~18.75% reduction in water absorption compared to the control. These findings support the viability of developing fiber-reinforced, nano-modified concrete composites using sustainable materials, particularly for non-structural applications such as paving blocks.

Keywords: M30 concrete, nano silica, Pinus fiber, cement replacement, paver blocks, sustainable construction, mechanical properties, natural fibers, fiber-reinforced composites, polymer-cement composites, hybrid concrete composites, lignocellulosic fibers, green concrete

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

How to cite this article:
er Shailesh Dabral, Karan Babbar. Study on Partial Replacement of Cement with Pinus Fiber and Nano Silica in M30 Concrete Paver Blocks: A Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Cement Composite Approach. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):63-76.
How to cite this URL:
er Shailesh Dabral, Karan Babbar. Study on Partial Replacement of Cement with Pinus Fiber and Nano Silica in M30 Concrete Paver Blocks: A Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Cement Composite Approach. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):63-76. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=222371


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 06
Received 18/06/2025
Accepted 30/06/2025
Published 06/08/2025
Publication Time 49 Days
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