Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Porous Concrete for Planting

The mechanical properties of fiber reinforced porous concrete for use as a planting material were investigated in this study. Changes in physical and mechanical properties, subsequent to the addition of carbon fiber and silica fume, were studied. The effects of recycled aggregate were also evaluated. The applicability as planting work concrete material was also assessed. The results showed that there were no remarkable changes in the void and strength characteristics following the increase in proportion of recycled aggregate. Also, the mixture with 10% silica fume was found to be the most effective for strength enforcement. The highest flexural strength was obtained when the carbon fiber was added with $3\%$. It was also noticed that PAN-derived carbon fiber was superior to Pitch-derived ones in view of strength. The evaluation of its usage for vegetation showed that the growth of plants was directly affected by the existence of covering soil, in case of having the similar size of aggregate and void.