A study into flexural, compressive and tensile strength of coir-concrete as sustainable building material

Abstract

Coir has been known as a potential natural fiber for many sustainable construction material developments due to its wide availability and sustainable resource of coconut tree. This research study aims to investigate the flexural, compressive and tensile properties of concrete incorporating coir fiber and to find the fiber content which gives optimum results. In this study, coir concrete specimens were cast and tested with variations of fiber content of 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% by weight of aggregates. Flexural test was conducted based on SNI 4431:2011, compressive test was conducted based on SNI 1974:2011 and tensile test was conducted based on SNI 2491:2014. Slump tests and unit weight showed reduced values when fiber content was increased. Flexural, compressive and tensile strengths of coir-concrete at a 28-day curing were optimum for the variation with 0.25% fiber content. Compressive strength of control concrete at 28 days was approximately 23 MPa while BS-0.25 was 27.5 MPa. Flexural strength of control concrete was 5 MPa while BS-0.25 was 6 MPa. Tensile strength of control concrete was 3 MPa while BS-0.25 was 2.5 MPa. Results from the study showed that the presence of 0.25% fiber (by total weight of aggregate) in the concrete gives approximately 19% improvement in 28 days compressive strength and flexural strength.

Mechanical and Durability Performance of Coconut Fiber Reinforced Concrete: A State-of-the-Art Review

“…The slumps of the following variants indicate decreasing values with increasing coir fiber content. This propensity is due to the coir fibers’ surface shape and physical qualities [ 39 ]. According to one study, coir fibers have hydrophilic surfaces and hence repel water [ 26 ].…”

“…The experiments indicate that the best dosage of coconut fiber for strength is 2.0% by weight of cement [ 26 ]. A study indicates that the optimal quantity of coir fiber in concrete is 0.25 percent, which results in a 19% increase in 28-day compressive strength [ 39 ]. However, the optimum dose of fibers varies depending on the type of fiber, the physical aspects such as length and diameter, as well as the concrete mix design and the water-to-binder ratio.…”

“…By adding them to the mix, they act as a connection that helps to hold the fibers together [ 56 ]. In contrast, the inclusion of coir fibers reduces the split tensile strength of concrete [ 39 ].…”

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“…Dengan adanya serat hasil pengujian kuat tekan beton meningkat sebesar 2.11% tetapi tidak signifikan. Selain itu, penulis juga telah melakukan beberapa penelitian terkait pemanfaatan serat kelapa sebagai material konstruksi (Rumbayan, et al, 2017(Rumbayan, et al, , 2019(Rumbayan, et al, , 2020. Hasil penelitian menunjukan potensi serat sabut kelapa dalam menghasilkan material konstruksi yang ringan.…”

The Development of Coir- Concrete Blocks Aslightweight Construction Material

“…Incorporating natural fibers in concrete, mortar or cementitious mix has been found to have positive effects such as reducing cracks, minimize crack opening, enhance toughness, lowering density and increasing ductility [1]- [6].One of the natural fibers that has been found to improve ductility, minimize cracks and increase the toughness of concrete and cementitious mix is coir. Coir is obtained from the husk of coconut fruit.…”