Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fibers: Innovative Solution for Crack Mitigation and Optimization of Concrete Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Plastic shrinkage cracking significantly compromises concrete durability. Opuntia ficus-indica fibers were evaluated as a sustainable reinforcement to mitigate early cracking and enhance mechanical performance. Concrete mixtures (w/c = 0.50) incorporated fiber dosages of 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0 kg/m³. Cracking evolution was monitored via a repeated-measures design at 1, 7, 14, and 28 days; compressive and flexural strengths were assessed at 7, 14, and 28 days. Findings identify 0.75 kg/m³ (EG(2)) as the optimum dosage, completely suppressing new cracks after 14 days and reducing cumulative width (1.53 to 0.21 mm) and length (909 to 72 mm). At 28 days, this dosage achieved increments of 27.12% in compressive strength and 22.64% in flexural strength relative to the control. Dosages exceeding 0.75 kg/m³ exhibited attenuated gains. Opuntia fibers effectively control early cracking and optimize mechanical capacity, providing a renewable alternative for resilient infrastructure.