Nagemi, Peter2026-06-302026-06-302025-11Nagemi, P. (2025). The effect of mango fibres on structural properties of concrete.Kyambogo University(Unpublished work)https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12504/2963This study investigates the effect of mango fibres on the structural properties of concrete, focusing on mechanical performance, durability, and crack behaviour. Concrete’s inherent brittleness limits its resistance to crack initiation and propagation, yet natural fibres have been identified as effective reinforcements. The study evaluated mango fibre properties, the performance of plain and mango fibre-reinforced concrete (MFRC), and the mechanical behaviour of MFRC using both experimental testing and finite element modelling. A total of 351 C25 concrete samples were prepared, including 120 plain concrete specimens and 231 MFRC specimens with fibre contents of 0.1%, 0.25%, 1.0%, and 1.5% and fibre lengths of 30-, 40-, and 50-mm. Samples were tested at 7 and 28 days in accordance with ASTM, ACI, BS, and EN standards for fibre characterization, mixing, specimen preparation, curing, workability, mechanical testing, drying shrinkage, and water absorption. Experimental controls included use of calibrated equipment, standardized mixing and curing procedures, and consistent testing conditions to ensure reliability of results. Results showed that mango fibres possessed a tensile strength of 616.96 MPa. Incorporation of fibres increased compressive, flexural, and split tensile strengths by 13.6%, 49.8%, and 16.8%, respectively, with optimal performance observed at 1.0% fibre content and 40 mm length. Mango fibres reduced drying shrinkage by up to 100%, thereby limiting crack development, although water absorption increased by up to 22.4% at higher fibre contents. ABAQUS simulations of a representative volume element further demonstrated improved crack resistance and delayed failure in MFRC compared to plain concrete. This study addresses the limited research on the structural use of mango fibres in concrete, particularly regarding their influence on strength, shrinkage, and crack behaviour. The integrated experimental and numerical results provide mechanistic insight into fibre bridging and post-cracking stiffness. These findings demonstrate the practical potential of MFRC for improved crack control, enhanced structural resilience, and sustainable utilization of agricultural waste within Uganda’s construction sector.enConcreteFiber-reinforced concreteTestingBuilding materialsBook