Experimental Investigation on Flexural Behaviour of Bamboo Fiber Reinforced Metakaolin Concrete

The present study investigates the flexural behaviour of Bamboo Fibre Reinforced Concrete (BFRC) with partial replacement of cement by metakaolin using M45 grade concrete.The main objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of bamboo fibres and metakaolin on flexural strength, crack resistance, ductility, and overall structural performance of concrete beams.In this study, cement was partially replaced with metakaolin at different percentages, and bamboo fibres were added to the concrete mix to improve crack control and postcracking behaviour.The beam specimens were cast, water cured for 28 days, and tested under two-point loading using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM).Parameters such as flexural strength, load carrying capacity, deflection, and crack pattern were analysed.The experimental results showed that the incorporation of bamboo fibres and metakaolin significantly improved the flexural performance of concrete compared to conventional concrete.Bamboo fibres enhanced ductility and reduced crack propagation, while metakaolin improved bonding characteristics and strength due to its pozzolanic nature.The optimum mix exhibited higher flexural strength and better load-deflection behaviour.The study concludes that Bamboo Fibre Reinforced Concrete with metakaolin can be used as a sustainable and eco-friendly construction material for improving the mechanical performance and durability of concrete structures.