Characteristics of akwara as a reinforcing fibre

Some relevant physical characteristics of akwara and akwara-reinforced concrete (akwaracrete) are discussed. Akwara is a natural vegetable stem fibre, dark brown in colour when mature, and has a hard smooth sheath enclosing a cellular core. Akwara is brittle and lighter than water. It is dimensionally stable in water, durable in a cement matrix environment, and has a low modulus of elasticity. Mixes containing akwara have lower mobility and compactibility than their plain counterpart. The fibre improves the impact resistance of concrete, but appears to have no effect upon uniaxial compressive strength or modulus of rupture.