Study of coconut fiber reinforced concrete with silica fume and fly-ash

  • Unique Paper ID: 177005
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 12
  • PageNo: 20-26
  • Abstract:
  • Coconut fiber reinforced cement-based materials have found applications in residential housing construction, particularly in non-structural components such as siding and roofing materials. Among natural fibers, coconut fiber stands out as an excellent reinforcement for concrete due to its availability, low cost, and low energy consumption during production. The present work focuses on an experimental investigation of coconut fiber reinforced concrete with the addition of fly ash and silica fume. The study examines the effects of these fibers on work-ability and various strength properties, including compressive strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength. The fiber content varies from 0% to 3% by weight of cement, with intervals of 0.5%. Specimens such as cubes measuring 150 mm X 150 mm X 150 mm for compressive strength and beams measuring 100 mm x 100 mm x 500 mm for flexural strength and similarly cylinder measuring 150 mm X 300 mm for split tensile strength. All specimens are water-cured and tested at the ages of 7 days and 28 days to assess the performance over time. The investigation reveals that the work-ability of the wet mix decreases as the fiber content increases. However, the inclusion of coconut fibers increases the ductility of concrete, which is a desirable property. Regarding the strength properties, the results show that in the case of coconut fiber reinforced concrete with fly ash and silica fume, the compressive strength increases up to a fiber content of 2.5% and then decreases with further increases in fiber content. The flexural strength increases up to a fiber content of 2% and then decreases. Similarly, the split tensile strength reaches a peak at a fiber content of 2% and subsequently decreases with higher fiber content. These findings provide insights into the mechanical behavior and performance of coconut fiber reinforced concrete with the addition of fly ash and silica fume. The results can be useful for optimizing the fiber content in such composite materials to achieve the desired strength properties for specific applications in construction.

Cite This Article

  • ISSN: 2349-6002
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 12
  • PageNo: 20-26

Study of coconut fiber reinforced concrete with silica fume and fly-ash

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