“A Review on Concrete using coir fibers as replacement for Sand”

Abstract

The rising cost of construction material is a matter of concern hence, the high cost of conventional construction material affects economy of structure. Therefore the coconut fibre as partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete is studied. For this study, coconut fibres were used as they are freely available in large quantities. The study comprises of comparative statement of properties of coconut fibre reinforced concrete with conventional concrete based on experiments performed in the laboratory. The use of coconut fibres will also lead to better management of these waste fibres. Lack of raw materials and their increased cost is a matter of concern. The reason behind that is increased demand of construction materials like cement, aggregates which are the major ingredients of concrete. Hence the number of researches and experimental investigations are conducting to find the suitable alternative materials for concrete ingredients. In this manner the study was conducted on concrete by partial replacement of coconut fibre as fine aggregate. In this study M25 grade concrete was produced with the 5 mix proportions (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%) replacement partially the coir fibre with weight of fine aggregate. Total 90 specimens(30 cubes, 30 cylinders & 30 prisms) were casted for comparative analysis between conventional concrete, manufactured sand concrete and coir fiber replaced concrete by conducting compressive, split tensile and flexural strength tests at 7 days and 28 days respectively. Workability of concrete was decreased with an increase of fibre fraction, but flexural strength and compressive strength increased with the addition of coir up to some extent. The results and observations attained from this study concludes that, addition of coir fibre increases the crack resistance of concrete, produces the structural light weight material and the suitable alternative partial replacement of coconut fibre as fine aggregate in order to overcome the lack of that. Hence the coir fibre can be used in construction and can reduce environmental waste by proper utilization. Also the use of coir fibre is cost effective and eco friendly.