Investigation on Load-Bearing Concrete Hollow Block Reinforced with Coconut Coir Fiber

Abstract

The aim of this study is to produce a load-bearing concrete hollow block (CHB) with pre-treated coconut fiber passing the required minimum compressive strength. The CHB was added with 1, 2 and 3% pre-treated coconut coir fibers, by weight of cement, at varying coconut fiber lengths of 3, 4.5 and 6 cm during the production. Class AA concrete mixture of 1:1.5:3 is used with a water-cement ratio (w/c) of 0.51. There were three representative samples taken at each percentage (1, 2 and 3%) of pre-treated coconut coir fibers added in every 3, 4.5 and 6 cm length and a total of 30 samples were produced for the investigation process. The compressive strengths of loadbearing CHBs were then taken using the universal testing machine and results showed that 2% coconut coir fiber of 4.5 cm fiber length is significantly different from 1 and 3% coconut coir fiber. Results revealed that CHB with 2% coconut fibers obtained the optimum compressive strength compared to the 1 and 3% CHB samples. The study concluded that coconut fiber reinforced load-bearing CHBs can be used for Type N Mortar for the general purpose of above grade applications where normal loading occurs such as reinforced interior and exterior load-bearing walls.