International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)

Volume 8, Issue 4, April 2017, pp. 1145–1155, Article ID: IJCIET_08_04_128

Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=8&IType=4
ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316

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EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON HUMAN HAIR

FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE WITH
PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT BY
GGBFS
S. Manivel
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, SRM University,
Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

S. Nisanth Kumar
Post Graduate Student, Department of Civil Engineering, SRM University,
Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

S. Prakashchandar
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, SRM University,
Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

S. Anil Kumar
Post Graduate Student, Department of Civil Engineering, SRM University,
Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India

ABSTRACT
One of the most advanced inventions in terms of new materials being employed in
concrete has been the development of Fiber reinforced concrete which proves to be a
solution for problems relating to the formation of micro cracks. Concrete acquires
poor tensile properties which must be rectified by adopting certain alternative
measures. One such alternate measure could be the usage of human hair as a fiber
reinforcement material since it is better in tension. Hair fiber (HF) is a widely
available material which is also economical. It remains non-biodegradable and
thereby creates environmental problems, hence it can be used in concrete. Another
material that can be used as a replacement material for cement is the Ground
Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) which is the waste product obtained during
steel manufacturing. It enhances the concrete quality and also minimizes the quantity
of cement utilized. This paper details the influence of human hair and GGBFS on the
mechanical properties of the reinforced cement concrete and thereby reducing
environmental problem by proper utilization. In this investigation, M30 grade
concrete was used and the tests were performed on concrete (cubes and cylinder) with
and without addition of human hair fiber as 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3%
by the weight of concrete. The optimum use of GGBFS in concrete is to be

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 Experimental Study on Human Hair Fiber Reinforced Concrete with Partial Replacement of
Cement By GGBFS

determined. The mechanical characteristics were determined for finding the optimum
percentage of Human Hair Fiber and GGBFS.
Key words: Fiber reinforced concrete, Human Hair Fiber (HHF), Ground Granulated
Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS), Compressive strength, Flexural strength, Split tensile
strength.
Cite this Article: S. Manivel, S. Nisanth Kumar, S. Prakashchandar and S. Anil
Kumar, Experimental Study on Human Hair Fiber Reinforced Concrete with Partial
Replacement of Cement By GGBFS. International Journal of Civil Engineering and
Technology, 8(4), 2017, pp. 1123–1131.
http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=8&IType=4

1. INTRODUCTION
The composition of Fiber Reinforced Concrete is composed of cement, mortar or concrete
and fibers that are arranged uniformly and discontinuously. Fibers are of different types
namely synthetic, steel, glass and natural fibers. Human hair is a waste material and there is
no proper method for the disposal of this non-bio degradable hair which causes enormous
environmental problems. The usage of hairs as a fiber reinforcing material in concrete is to
investigate their impact on the mechanical properties of the concrete and also in controlling
the cracks. Such usage remains as an alternative way for disposing hair. Concrete is a
common element used in the construction industry which consist of cement as a binding
material. The rapid production of cement leads to the emission of CO2. We know that CO2
emission is very unfavorable to environment. The manufacturing of 1 tonne of ordinary
Portland cement emits 1 tonne of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. To overcome this
problem, the cement has to be replaced. GGBFS could be used as substitute for cement.
Portland cement has chemical composition which is almost similar to that of the composition
of the molten slag obtained from GGBFS.

2. LITREATURE REVIEW
Jain D. and Kothari A [1] conducted research on Hair Fiber reinforced concrete which was
used as a reinforcing material for concrete in varying percentage (0%, 1%, 1.5%) and found
that replacing 1.5% HHF made the concrete to attain peak strength. Riya Babu M, Neena
Rose Davis [2] investigations revealed that on addition of varying percentage (0%, 1.5%, 2%)
of HHF to the concrete replacing 2% of HHF increased the strength. Dr. R.C.Reddy and
Shweta kaushik [3] explained that replacing 1.5% HHF as reinforcement in concrete resulted
in peak compressive strength. Vinayak Awasare, Prof. M. V. Nagendra [4] replaced GGBS as
a binding material in the concrete. Analysis of strength characteristics of M20 grade concrete
with replacement of cement by GGBS with 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% was done and was
compared with plain cement concrete. It revealed that 30% of GGBFS replacement
showcased maximum strength as against conventional concrete.

3. MATERIALS
3.1. Concrete
In this investigation Ordinary Portland cement of 53 grade was used. Basic tests were
conducted like fineness of cement, standard consistency, initial setting time, final setting time
and specific gravity on the cement. Specific gravity of cement is 3.15. For the present
investigation, the fine aggregate employed was river sand which was free from impurities.
The maximum size of fine aggregate was taken to be 4.75mm.Specific gravity of fine

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 S. Manivel, S. Nisanth Kumar, S. Prakashchandar and S. Anil Kumar

aggregate was 2.71. Crushed granite coarse aggregate of maximum size 20 mm is used which
could be irregular in nature as like broken stone or rounded gravel. The Coarse aggregate
used has a specific gravity of 2.83.

3.2. Human Hair Fiber

The HHF was locally purchased. Keratin is a protein that is responsible for the formation of
human hair. Length of the Human hair fiber is 4 cm. Diameter is 60-100µm. Human hair
creates environmental problems, to minimize that it can be used as reinforcing agent.
Addition of hair fiber to the concrete increases the mechanical properties.

Table 1 Physical properties of human hair

Length 40
Diameter 60-100
Plastic modulus(G Pa) 3.5
Linear density(g/cm) 1.32
Yield strength(M Pa) 74.34
Breaking strength(M Pa) 119
Strain at break (%) 29
Tensile strength(M pa) 384.79

3.3. GGBFS
GGBFS are glassy granulates obtained during the production of iron which is then made to
dry and molded to required dimension. The energy needed in its preparation is comparatively
minimal than that of ordinary Portland cement. It also results in reduced emission of CO 2 gas
into the atmosphere which in turn makes it eco-friendly. Because of their enhanced resistance
to salt attacks, there is no need for regular maintenance of the structures constructed out of it.

4. EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION
4.1. Concrete Mix Design
In this study, concrete mix was designed as per IS 10262:2009 [7] to achieve a target
compressive strength of 30 MPa. Design mix proportions of M-30 grade are tabulated below:

Table 2 Mix Proportion for M30 Grade Concrete

Cement Fine aggregate Coarse aggregate Water

438 684 1152 197
1 1.6 2.6 0.45

4.2. Casting of Specimens

Cubes and cylinder were casted of size 150 mm x 150 mm x150 mm and 150 mm x 300 mm
respectively. Human hair fiber with 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% , 3% addition of cement and
the replacement of cement by GGBFS with 5%,10%,15%,20%,25%. Casting Specimens are
shown in Fig.1 and Fig.2

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 Experimental Study on Human Hair Fiber Reinforced Concrete with Partial Replacement of
Cement By GGBFS

Figure 1 Casting of Cubes Figure 2 Casting of cylinder

4.3. Compression Test

Compressive strength is measured using a compression testing machine with a maximum
capacity of 2000kN for all specimen of size 150x150x150mm. Each value was taken as the
average of three samples test results of prepared specimen with curing period of 7 days and
28days and the compressive strength of cube is calculated. Specimen under testing is shown
in Fig.3

4.4. Split Tensile Strength Test

Split tensile test results were measured using a compression testing machine with maximum
capacity of 2000 kN for the size 150mm x 300mm of test specimen, each value was taken as
the average of these samples. Test results were obtained for specimens cured for 28days. The
tensile strength of cylinders is calculated. Specimen under testing is shown in Fig.4

Figure 3 Compression Strength test Figure 4 Split Tensile strength test

4.5. Flexural Strength Test

The beam was designed as per IS 456-2000 [8] and the detailing of the beam was done by
IS13920-1993[9]. The beam with a dimension of 1000 mm x130 mm x 180mm was tested in
the laboratory.
The stirrups with 8mm diameter at a spacing of 50 mm at left and right end over a length
of 2d and a spacing of 100mm at center. The 4 no’s of 10mm diameter are used in top and
bottom reinforcement.

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 S. Manivel, S. Nisanth Kumar, S. Prakashchandar and S. Anil Kumar

Figure 5 Reinforcement Details of Beam

Wooden moulds for casting beam were oiled and properly aligned to exact dimension on
the concrete platform. Reinforcement cage was placed inside the mould maintaining proper
cover. After filling the mould with concrete, the concrete surface was leveled and finished
using a trowel. After 24hours, the form work was stripped off. And specimens were cured for
a period of 28 days.

Figure 6 Experimental Setup for Beam Specimen Figure 7 Tested Beam Specimen

5. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

5.1. Compressive Strength for Hair Fiber
The compressive strength of concrete with different percentage of addition of human hair
fibre after 7 and 28 days of curing is shown in Table-3

Table 3 Compressive Strength of Various Mixes

Mix Addition of human Compressive Strength Compressive Strength
Identity hair(%) (7days) N/mm2 (28 days) N/mm2
CC 0 17.10 31.55
HF1 0.5 18.41 32.29
HF2 1.0 20.01 33.34
HF3 1.5 22.14 34.07
HF4 2.0 24.59 40.59
HF5 2.5 19.25 33.65
HF6 3.0 16.14 30.66

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 Experimental Study on Human Hair Fiber Reinforced Concrete with Partial Replacement of
Cement By GGBFS

The compressive strength of concrete gradually increases as the percentage of human hair
added in concrete up to 2.0 % and then there was a drop in strength. The optimum use of
human hair in M30 was found to be 2%.
The results from compressive test after 7 days and 28days of curing are compared with a
graph. Comparisons of compressive strengths are shown in Fig.8.

Figure 8 Comparison of the Compressive Strength

5.2. Spilt Tensile Strength of Concrete for Hair Fiber

The split tensile strength of concrete with different percentage of addition of human hair fiber
after 28 days of curing is shown in Table-4

Table 4 Spilt Tensile Strength of various mixes for HF

Addition of human
S No Identification Spilt Tensile Strength (28days)
hair
N/mm2
(%)
1 CC 0 2.52
2 HF 1 0.5 2.57
3 HF 2 1.0 2.62
4` HF 3 1.5 2.69
5 HF 4 2.0 2.75
6 HF 5 2.5 2.65
7 HF6 3.0 2.50
It was observed that the spilt tensile strength of the auxiliary specimen increased with
addition of 2% hair fiber by volume of concrete.
The results from split tensile test after 28 days of curing are compared with a graph.
Comparisons of split tensile strengths are shown in Fig.9.

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 S. Manivel, S. Nisanth Kumar, S. Prakashchandar and S. Anil Kumar

Figure 9 Comparison of the Split Tensile Strength

5.3. Compressive Strength for GGBFS

Compressive strength of concrete mixes made with and without GGBFS was determined at
age of 7, 14 and 28 days. The test results are given in Table-5.

Table 5 Compressive Strength of Concrete for GGBFS

Mix Replacement of Compressive Strength Compressive Strength
Identity GGBFS (%) (7days) N/mm2 (28 days) N/mm2
CC 0 17.10 31.55
GG1 5 18.23 34.77
GG 2 10 19.51 35.69
GG 3 15 20.40 36.25
GG 4 20 21.58 37.63
GG 5 25 20.33 36.81
The results from compressive test after 7 days and 28days of curing are compared with a
graph. Comparison of compressive strengths was given in Fig.10

45
Compressive strength (N/mm2)

40
35
30
25
7 days
20
15 28 Days
10
5
0
CC 5 10 15 20 25
Replacement of GGBFS (%)

Figure 10 Comparison of the Compressive Strength of GGBFS

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 Experimental Study on Human Hair Fiber Reinforced Concrete with Partial Replacement of
Cement By GGBFS

The compressive strength of concrete gradually increased as the percentage of

replacement of GGBFS in concrete up to 20 % and then there was a drop in strength. From
the results it could be understood that replacement of GGBFS in concrete increases its
strength more than conventional concrete.

5.4. Spilt Tensile Strength of Concrete for GGBFS

The split tensile strength of concrete with different percentage of addition of human hair fiber
after 28 days of curing is shown in Table-6

Table 6 Spilt Tensile Strength of concrete for GGBFS

Replacement of GGBFS Spilt Tensile Strength
S No Identification
(%) (N/mm2)
1 CC 0 3.20
2 GG1 5 3.32
3 GG 2 10 3.47
4 GG 3 15 3.65
5 GG 4 20 3.94
6 GG 5 25 3.60
It is observed that the spilt tensile strength of the auxiliary specimen increased with
GGBFS content up to addition of 20% replacement by volume of cement.
The results from split tensile test after 28 days of curing are compared with a graph.
Comparisons of split tensile strengths are given in Fig.11

4.5
4
Tensile strength (N/mm2)

3.5
3
2.5
2 28 days
1.5
1
0.5
0
CC 5 10 15 20 25
Replacement of GGBFS (%)

Figure 11 Comparison of the Split Tensile Strength

6. FLEXURAL SRTENGTH
The beam was placed in such a manner that the load applied to the load cell, lever arm into
the two roller support placed in top of beam. The specimen was tested using loading frame in
the structural engineering laboratory. The load was gradually applied to the specimen by
using hand operated hydraulic jack. At each increment of the loads, deflection and crack
pattern were recorded. The failure mode of the specimen was also observed.

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 S. Manivel, S. Nisanth Kumar, S. Prakashchandar and S. Anil Kumar

7. TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The first crack load and load carrying capacity of the plain and hair fiber reinforcement
concrete beams are the first crack was initiated at 42kN in the CC specimen and at 48kN in
HFG replaced specimen. As the load was increased, cracks were noticed in the sides of the
beam specimens. The crack development was very less compared to the conventional
concrete beam.
The first load of CC was slightly higher than of HFG specimen. The optimum dosage
level of the fiber so increased the result compared to the beam without the addition of fiber.
The control specimen was loaded upto their load. It was noted that of all beams had the
higher load carrying capacity compared to the control specimen. The ultimate load for CC
and HFG are 70kN and 82kN respectively.

Table 7 Comparison of Initial crack load and Final crack load

Specimen Initial crack load (kN) Ultimate crack load (kN)
Conventional concrete 42 70
HFG 48 82
The load carrying capacity of hair fiber reinforcement beam is increased when compared
to the conventional concrete. Therefore, the addition of fiber content increased the structural
behavior of beam.

7.1. Comparison between First Crack Load and Ultimate Load

The load was applied to the beam and at each increment of load deflection is noted by using
Dial Gauge. It was noted that HFGRC beam had the higher load carrying capacity compared
to the control specimen.

90
80
70
60
50
Initial crack load
Load

40
30 Ultimate crack
20 load
10
0
Conventional concrete HFG
Specimen

Figure 12 Comparison between First Crack Load and Ultimate Load

7.2. Load Deflection Curve for RC Beam

The load deflection characteristics for the tested beams are shown in Fig.13

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 Experimental Study on Human Hair Fiber Reinforced Concrete with Partial Replacement of
Cement By GGBFS

90
80
70
60
Load (kN) 50
40
Conventional Beam
30
20 H.F.G Beam
10
0
0 2 4 6 8
Deflection (mm)

Figure 13 Comparison of Load Deflection Curve for CC and HFG Specimen

8. CONCLUSION
Based on the study carried out to find the structural behavior of hair fiber reinforced concrete,
the following conclusions were arrived.
1. The optimum dosage level of hair fiber addition was found to be 2% while that of the
replacement of GGBFS was found to be 20% by volume of concrete.
2. It could be observed that there is a gradual increase in the compressive strength as well as
the split tensile strength up to the percentage addition of hair fiber by 2% and replacement of
GGBFS by 20%. But further increase in percentage of both the materials results in gradual
decrease of both compressive and split tensile strength.
3.Compressive strength and split tensile strength of samples with 2% addition of hair fiber
increased by 28.65% and 9.12% respectively when compared with that of the conventional
specimens.
4. For the replacement of GGBFS by 20%, the compressive strength and split tensile strength
got escalated by 8.22% and 17.85% respectively.
5. The flexural strength of beams tested with addition of 2% hair fiber and replacement of
20% GGBFS fared well against the conventional specimens. The ultimate crack for the
replaced beam specimen occurred at 82 kN which was 17.14% greater than that of the
conventional beam. It could also be noticed that these specimens underwent minimal
deflection compared to that of conventional specimens.

REFERENCES
[1] Jain D. and Kothari A (2012), “Hair Fiber Reinforced Concrete”, Research Journal of
Recent Sciences ISSN 2277 – 2502 Vol. 1(ISC-2011), PP.128-133
[2] Riya Babu M, Neena Rose Davis(2015),“Hair Fibre Reinforced Concrete”, International
Journal of Research in Advent Technology (E-ISSN: 2321-9637)
[3] Dr. R.C.Reddy and Shweta kaushik (2015), “An Experimental Study on Mechanical
Properties of Human Hair Fibre Reinforced Concrete (M-40 Grade)”, IOSR Journal of
Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE) e-ISSN: 2278-1684.
[4] Vinayak Awasar, Prof. M. V. Nagendra (2014), “Analysis of Strength Characteristic of
GGBS Concrete”. International Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology ,E-ISSN
0976-3945

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 S. Manivel, S. Nisanth Kumar, S. Prakashchandar and S. Anil Kumar

[5] Gaurav Singha, Souvik Das (2015), “Study of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag as Fine
Aggregates in Concrete for Sustainable Infrastructure”, Procedia - Social and Behavioral
Sciences 195( 2015 ) 2272 – 2279.
[6] A. Oner, S. Akyuz (2015), “An Experimental Study on Optimum usage of GGBS For The
compressive Strength of Concrete”, Cement & Concrete composites 29 (2007) 505-514.
[7] IS 10262 – 2009 “IS Method of Mix Design’, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
[8] IS 456 – 2000, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi.
[9] IS 2386-1963 Methods of test for aggregate for concrete.
[10] IS 383-1970 Indian standard specifications for coarse and fine aggregate.

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