Banana fibre-reinforced diatomaceous earth slurry treatment of recycled aggregate for enhanced structural concrete performance

Abstract

This study explores the impact of banana fiber-reinforced diatomaceous earth (DE) slurry treatment on recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) for structural applications. Six types of treated recycled aggregates were prepared by coating their surface with a slurry containing 5% DE, 0-7% banana fiber, and ordinary Portland cement. Various tests assessed the treatment’s impact on aggregate and concrete properties. The treatment improved specific gravity, aggregate crushing resistance, impact resistance, and abrasion resistance for up to 5% of banana fiber in the slurry. The formation of additional calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phases contributed to strengthening the microstructure by filling voids and enveloping the aggregate surface. Concrete prepared with treated recycled aggregate showed significant improvements in compressive strength (25.14%), tensile strength (36.58%), and flexural strength (72%) at an optimum 5% fiber content. Non-destructive testing confirmed better surface hardness and internal quality, while microstructural analyses revealed improved bonding and fiber reinforcement. These substantial improvements demonstrate the potential of banana fiber-reinforced DE slurry treatment for sustainable construction practices. © The Author(s) 2025.