Coconut Fiber Reinforced Compressed Earth Blocks

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to find out the proportion possible to be molded into the CEB; the proportion that would yield the highest compressive strength among the mixtures; the proportion that has a good tensile strength; and the viable proportion that will pass tests. The proportion that would cost less is also to be considered. Four mixtures were prepared with 3 replicates of each mixture. The samples of each mixture were weighed after being molded and cured for 7 days. The samples were subjected for workability and texture test, crack visual test, compressive strength test and tensile strength test. The lightest of the samples was proportion B with an average weigh of 6850 grams and which obtained the compressive strength of 792 psi and tensile strength of 92 psi. The most uniform surface was produced by proportion A, which is also the heaviest. However, proportion A was hard to compress that it was not advisable for mass production. The second lightest in the sample was proportion D which also produced a finer and uniform surface among the mixtures. Proportion D also has the highest compressive strength of 984 psi and a tensile strength of 102 psi. Proportion D was also the second cheapest. The study found out that mixing coconut fibers in the mixtures of CEB adds more compressive strength and tensile strength in the blocks. The study

also found out that 75 grams of coconut fiber mixture has the highest compressive and tensile strength. The study also found out that the proportion used in mixture D gave a better and finer texture. The viable mixture in this study was proportion D.