STRENGTH OF CONCRETE BY USING COCONUT COIR FIBER AS PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT

Ms. Pranali Prashant Prayag , Mr. G. N. Shete

Cement, coconut coir fiber, compressive strength, flexural strength.

The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has led to the exploration of industrial waste as potential alternatives in concrete production. This study investigates the feasibility of using coconut coir fiber as a partial replacement for cement in concrete to enhance workability and strength characteristics. Various concrete mixes were prepared by replacing cement with coconut coir fiber at proportions of 1.5%, 2.5%, 3.5% by weight. Comprehensive tests were conducted to evaluate the workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and durability of the mixes at different curing periods. The results indicate that the incorporation of coconut coir fiber up to an optimal percentage, can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of concrete while promoting the reuse of industrial waste. This experimental study demonstrates the potential of coconut coir fiber as a sustainable material in cementitious applications, contributing to environmental conservation and resource efficiency in the construction sector. The rapid growth of the construction industry has significantly increased the demand for cement, contributing to environmental challenges such as high energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and depletion of natural resources. In response, this study explores the use of coconut coir fiber as a partial replacement for cement in concrete. This experimental investigation involves the preparation of concrete specimens in which Pozzolanic Portland cement (PPC) is partially replaced with cococnut coir fiber in varying proportions: 0% (control mix), 1.5%, 2.5%, 3.5% by weight.. The mechanical and durability properties of the concrete are evaluated through standardized tests, including slump test for workability, compressive strength test, split tensile strength test, and water absorption test at 7 and 28 days of curing. The results reveal that coconut coir fiber can be effectively utilized as a supplementary cementitious material up to an optimum replacement level--typically around 1.5-2.5%--without compromising, and in some cases even enhancing, the strength and durability of concrete. Beyond the optimal percentage, however, further replacement leads to reduced mechanical performance due to increased porosity and lower cement content. Overall, this research demonstrates that coconut coir fiber, offers a viable and eco-friendly alternative to partial cement replacement. This approach not only reduces the environmental burden associated with coconut coir fiber disposal but also contributes to sustainable construction practices by lowering the carbon footprint of concrete production.

Volume 13 Issue 11, November-2025

Pages : c891-c899