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A PROJECT REPORT ON
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN
CIVIL ENGINEERING
Submitted by
BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE
Certified that this project work entitled “Coconut Fibre Reinforced Concrete” is an
authentic record of project work done by Aditya Tom (Reg.No. 10001911), Anushree
S (Reg.No. 10001929), Diya Maria Varghese (Reg.No. 10001942) and Jerin Antony
(Reg.No. 1000194), towards the partial fulfillment of requirements for the award of
degree Bachelor Of Technology degree in Civil Engineering, MG University,
Kottayam, Kerala
We take this opportunity to express our deep sense of gratitude to each and every one who
lend us a helping hand in our research. First and foremost we thank God
Almighty for showering his immense blessings upon us throughout this venture.
We owe a lot to Sr. Claramma Rosary (Head of the department), for her keen interest
and support whenever in need. We are overwhelmed by the sincerity and concern of
our guides Ms. Jiss Abraham (Asst. Professor, Department of Civil Engineering) and
Ms. Cini Philip (Asst. Professor, Department of Civil Engineering). Their valuable
inputs, constant encouragement and constructive feedback kept us in the right track and
motivated, which helped us in timely completion of this work. We also thank Dr. Mini
Mathew (Assoc. Professor, Department of Civil Engineering) for her guidance. This
project would have been nothing if it wasn’t for Mrs. Sheena P Abraham, Mrs. Mini
Jacob and Mr. V T Thomas who were there to help us in the laboratory. Special
appreciation goes to our classmates Joseph G Tom, Charls K John and Gino George
who helped us overcome the difficulties of lack of manpower.
We also express our sincere gratitude to other staff members, Department of Civil Engineering
and our parents for their encouragement and support.
ADITYA TOM
ANUSHREE S
DIYA MARIA
VARGHESE JERIN
ANTONY
ABSTRACT
i
Keywords : Compressive strength, Tensile strength, Flexural strength, CFRC, Fibre mesh
Coconut fibre is available in abundance at the test site, which makes it quite viable as a
reinforcement material in concrete. Further, it acts as a new source of income for the
coconut producer who gets the benefits of the new demand generated by the
construction industry. In addition to this, it is an effective method for the disposal of
coir mattress waste which will reduce the demand for additional waste disposal
infrastructure and decrease the load on existing landfills and incinerators.The problem
of high rate of water absorption of the fibre could be reduced by coating the fibres
with oil. Moreover the fibres being natural in origin is ecologically sustainable and can
bring down the global carbon footprint quite effectively.
This study aimed at analyzing the variation in strength of coconut fiber (oil coated raw
and oil coated processed fibres) reinforced concrete at varying fibre contents and to
compare it with that of conventional concrete. The various strength aspects analyzed
are the flexural, compressive and tensile strength of the coconut fiber reinforced
concrete at varying percentages (4%,5%,6% by the weight of cement) of fibre. The
influence of shape of fibre on strength is also studied by testing on coconut fibre mesh
of predetermined dimensions. The optimal percentage of both the processed fibre
strands and raw fibre meshes were found out by trial and error and the optimum
percentage of superplasticizerneeded for the required workability was also determined.
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ........................................................................................................
i
ii
ABSTRACT ..............................................................................................................................
ii
................................................................................................ x
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................
1
2.1 OVERVIEW................................................................................................................ 4
3. METHODOLOGY ...........................................................................................................
7
iii
3.6 CASTING AND CURING........................................................................................ 14
4.1 OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................. 16
iv
5.2.1 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST ...............................................................31
6. CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................
60
...................................................................................................... 62 7.
REFERENCES
............................................................................................................... 63
LIST OF TABLES
v
Table 4.3 : Results of sieve analysis conducted on Sample 2 ...................................... 27
Table 5.7 : Split tensile strength for processed Plain Concrete cylinders .................... 50
Table 5.8 : Split tensile strength for processed CFRC cylinders ................................. 50
Table 5.9 : Split tensile strength for raw CFRC cylinders ........................................... 52
Table 5.10 : Comparison of post peak load failure in raw and processed CFRC ........ 54
LIST OF FIGURES
vi
Figure 3.2 : Le Chatelier’s Flask.................................................................................... 9
Figure 4.3 : Raw coconut fibre obtained from mattress waste .................................... 19
vii
percentages of fibre ...................................................................................................... 48
percentages
Figure 5.15 : Graph showing variation of split tensile strength at varying percentages
Figure 5.16 : Graph showing variation of split tensile strength at varying percentages
Figure 5.17 : Graph showing variation of split tensile strength at varying percentages
Figure 5.18 : Cracking pattern of Conventional concrete and coconut fibre reinforced
concrete ........................................................................................................................
of
fibre (processed)........................................................................................................... 56
fibre (processed)........................................................................................................... 57
viii
Figure 5.24 : Cracking pattern coconut fibre reinforced concrete beam .................... 59
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ix
FRC – Fibre Reinforced Concrete
x
Department Of Civil Engineering 2014
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
The construction industry is revolutionizing in two major ways. One way is the
development of construction techniques, such as using automated tools in construction.
The other is the advancement in high-performance construction materials, such as the
introduction of high strength concrete. Among these highperformance materials, fibre
reinforced concrete (FRC) is gradually gaining acceptance from civil engineers. In
recent years, research and development of fibres and matrix materials and fabrication
process related to construction industry have grown rapidly. Their advantages over
other construction materials are their high tensile strength to weight ratio, ability to be
moulded into various shapes and potential resistance to environmental conditions,
resulting in potentially low maintenance cost. These properties make FRC composite a
good alternative for innovative construction. Their application in construction includes
both upgrading existing structures and building new ones, which can apply to various
types of structure, for example offshore platforms, buildings and bridges (Thou, 2005).
The aim of this study was to identify the improvement in strength characteristics of
concrete with the addition of oil coated coconut fibre. In the study, coconut fibre is
added to concrete and Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) is used as reference to study its
effect on flexural, compressive and tensile strength properties and also drying
shrinkage. Fibre is coated with oil so as to decrease the water absorption. Some of the
advantages being observed are low-cost, low density, reasonable specific strength, good
thermal insulation, reduced wear and ability to be recycled with minimal impact on
The advantages of coconut fibre are :low cost, reasonable specific strength, low density,
ease of availability, enhanced energy recovery, biodegradability, ability to be recycled
in nature in a carbon neutral manner, resistance to fungi moth and rot, excellent
insulation to sound, flame, moisture and dampness, toughness, durability, resilience.
1.4 METHODOLOGY
Based on the previous research work, a comparison of strength properties of fibre
reinforced concrete is made with respect to conventional concrete and the influence of
shape of fibres on strength are also studied. Tests are conducted using processed
coconut fibres of length 5cm and raw fibre meshes of size 5cm x 5cm after coating them
with coconut oil at varying fibre contents of 4%, 5%, 6% .Material tests were carried
out initially to determine the suitability of materials to be used in concrete. The mix
was designed as per IS 10262 : 2009 at a suitable water content and design mix was
obtained. The mixing was carried out according to standard procedure given in IS code
with sufficient care to ensure that no bleeding occurred throughout the entire process.
Slump tests were carried out to ensure that the mix was workable. The cubes were then
cured for 7 and 28 days and were properly dried in sunlight before testing.
In Chapter 3, a detailed explanation of the methodology used for this research work
Chapter 4 gives an overview of various materials used in the test and the material tests
associated with them to determine its suitability in this research
Chapter 6 summarizes the study, presents the salient conclusions from the study and
its limitations, and discusses scope for future
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 OVERVIEW
This chapter deals with various research works done on fibre reinforced concrete
including CFRC. The properties of various fibres were studied and the advantages of
coconut fibre over other fibres were highlighted to justify its selection in this research
work.
(Chouw et al., 2012) studied the viability of using coconut-fibre ropes as vertical
reinforcement in mortar-free low cost housing in earth quake prone regions. The rope
anchorage is achieved by embedding it in the foundation and top tie-beams. The bond
between the rope and the concrete plays an important role in the stability of the structure
and the rope tensile strength is also found to be fairly high. The rope tension generated
due to earthquake loading should be less than both the pull out force and the rope tensile
load to avoid the structure collapse. The study concluded that the pull out energy
increases with an increase in embedment length, rope diameter, cement and fibre
content in the matrix.
(Li et al., 2007) studied fibre volume fraction by surface treatment with a wetting agent
for coir mesh reinforced mortar using non-woven coir mesh matting. They performed
a four-point bending test and concluded that cementitious composites, reinforced by
three layers of coir mesh with a low fibre content of 1.8%, resulted in 40% improvement
in flexural strength compared to conventional concrete. The composites were found to
(Reis, 2006) performed third-point loading tests on concrete reinforced with coconut,
sugarcane bagasse and banana fibres to investigate the flexural strength, fracture
toughness and fracture energy. The study revealed that fracture, toughness and energy
of coconut fibre reinforced concrete were the highest compared to other natural fibres
with an increase in flexural strength of up to 25%.The advantages of coconut fibre over
other natural fibres made us conclude to use coconut fibre as the reinforcement material
in our project.
(Asasutjarit et al., (2006) determined the physical (density, moisture content, water
absorption and thickness swelling), mechanical (modulus of elasticity, modulus of
rupture and internal bond) and thermal properties of coir-based light weight cement
board after 28 days of hydration. The physical and mechanical properties were
measured by Japanese Industrial Standard JIS A 5908-1994 and the thermal properties
using JIS R 2618. The parameters studied were fibre length, coir pre-treatment and
mixture ratio. 5 cm long boiled and washed fibres with the optimum cement: fibre:
water weight ratio of 2:1:2 gave the highest modulus of rupture and internal bond
amongst the tested specimens. The board also had a thermal conductivity lower than
other commercial flake board composite. These paper made us choose 5cm fibre length
after proper treatment of the fibre for the removal of the coir dust.
(Liu et al., 2011) studied the influence of 1%, 2%, 3% and 5% at fibre lengths of 2.5, 5
and 7.5 cm on properties of concrete. For a proper analysis the properties of plain
cement concrete was used as reference. It was seen that damping of CFRC beams
increases with the increase in fibre content. It was observed that CFRC with a fibre
length of 5 cm and fibre content of 5% produced the best results. In this study the
optimum percent of coconut fibre added was 5%,which made us to adopt addition of
4%,5% and 6% coconut fibre by weight of cement in our research work.
(Kelleret al., 2005) investigated the shear behaviour of reinforced concrete beams
strengthened by the attachment of different configurations and quantities of carbon
fibres. The study revealed that the strengthening by using carbon fibres increased the
resistance to shear and also spalling of concrete.
The next chapter is methodology which gives a brief idea about the overall aspects of
this research.
3. METHODOLOGY
1. Standard Consistency
2. Initial Setting Time
3. Final Setting Time
4. Fineness of Cement
5. Density of Cement
6. Soundness of Cement
The standard consistency of a cement paste is defined as that consistency which will
permit the Vicat plunger of 10 mm diameter and 50 mm length to penetrate to a point 5
to 7 mm from the bottom of the Vicat mould Figure 3.1. The experiment was done as
per IS 4031-Part IV.
AmalJyothi College Of Engineering 7
Department Of Civil Engineering 2014
Initial setting time is regarded as the time elapsed between the moment that the water
is added to the cement to the time that the paste starts losing its plasticity. Experiment
was done as per IS -269:1989, clause 6.3.
Final setting time is the time elapsed between the moment that the water is added to the
cement and when the paste has completely lost its plasticity. Experiment was done as
per IS -269:1989, clause 6.3.
Fineness is a measure of total surface area of cement. For finer cements surface area
will be more. Fineness influences the rate of hydration, rate of strength development,
shrinkage and rate of evolution of heat. Experiment was done as per IS 4031-Part I1996.
The testing of soundness of cement is to ensure that the cement does not show any
applicable subsequent expansion. Unsoundness in cement is due to excess of lime,
magnesia or excessive proportion of sulphates. Experiment is done by Le Chatelier
method. And the value of soundness is 1mm.
Aggregates are important constituents in concrete. They give body to the concrete,
reduce shrinkage and effect economy. The aggregates occupy 70-80 percent of the
volume of concrete; their impact on various characteristics and properties of concrete
is considerable. To determine the various properties of aggregates different tests are
done.
The bulk density is the weight of material in a given volume and it is measured in
kilograms per litre. The bulk density of an aggregate is affected by several factors,
including the amount of moisture present and the amount of effort introduced in filling
the measure. Bulk density shows how densely the aggregate is packed, when filled in a
standard manner. It depends on the particle size distribution and shape of the particle.
The experiment was carried out as per the procedure in IS 383.
Particle size distribution in a sample of aggregate is done by sieve analysis using a sieve
shaker Fig 4.4. It is the operation of dividing a sample of aggregate into various
fractions, each consisting of particles of same size. Experiment was done as per IS
2386-Part I-1963,IS:383-1970 and the gradation curve was plotted.
The bulk density is the weight of material in a given volume and it is measured in
kilograms per litre. The bulk density of an aggregate is affected by several factors,
including the amount of moisture present and the amount of effort introduced in filling
the measure. Bulk density shows how densely the aggregate is packed, when filled in a
standard manner. It depends on the particle size distribution and shape of the particle.
The experiment was carried out as per the procedure in IS 383
Particle size distribution in a sample of aggregate is done by sieve analysis using a sieve
shaker Fig 4.7. It is the operation of dividing a sample of aggregate into various
fractions, each consisting of particles of same size. The standard sieves for sieve
analysis of fine aggregates are 4.75mm, 2.36mm, 1.18mm, 600µ, 300µ, 150µ.
Experiment was done as per IS 2386-Part I-1963,IS:383-1970 and the gradation curve
was plotted.
It is then added to the mix until a uniform colour is obtained. Coarse aggregates are then
added to the same and mixed, followed by addition of water. Care should be taken to
add water slowly in stages so as to prevent bleeding which may affect the strength
formation of concrete. Admixture is added towards the end of mixing procedure so as
to avail sufficient time for mixing before the concrete hardens. It is placed in the moulds
of standard dimensions, compacted and finished
COLLECTION OF MATERIALS
TESTING OF MATERIALS
MIX DESIGN
MOULDING
TESTING OF SPECIMEN
The next chapter deals with the study of various materials used and the material tests.
4.1 OVERVIEW
Concrete is a freshly mixed material which can be moulded in to any shape. Concrete
is a site made material unlike other material of construction such as can vary to a very
great extent in its quality, properties and performance owing to the use of natural
material except cement. The properties of materials are important to make concrete
workable and durable.
Cement : PPC
Fine aggregate : M-sand
Coarse aggregate : Aggregates passing through 20mm is sieve
Coconut fibre : Washed fibres of length 5cm
Water : Potable water
Admixture : Rheobuild 918
4.2 CEMENT
IS 1489 1991 Part I defines PPC as “An intimately interground mixture of Portland
clinker and pozzolana with the possible addition of gypsum (natural or chemical) or an
intimate and uniform blending of Portland cement and fine pozzolana”.
Portlandpozzolana cement can be produced either by grinding together Portland cement
clinker and pozzolana with addition of gypsum or calcium sulphate, or by intimately
and uniformly blending Portland cement and fine pozzolana. The pozzolanic materials
generally used for manufacture of PPC are calcined clay or fly ash. Portlandpozzolana
cement produces less heat of hydration and offers greater resistance to the attack of
aggressive waters than normal Portland cement. Moreover, it reduces the leaching of
calcium hydroxide liberated during the setting and hydration of cement.
Aggregates are the important constituents in concrete. They give body to the concrete,
reduce shrinkage and effect economy. They occupy about 70-80 percent of the volume
of the concrete. Aggregates shall consist of naturally occurring (crushed or uncrushed)
AmalJyothi College Of Engineering 16
Department Of Civil Engineering 2014
stones, gravel and sand or combination thereof. They shall be hard, strong, durable,
clear and free from veins and adherent coating; and free from injurious amounts of
disintegrated pieces, alkali, vegetable matter and other deleterious substances. As far as
possible, flaky and elongated pieces should be avoided.
Aggregates can be mainly classified into fine aggregates and coarse aggregates.
IS 383- 1970 defines fine aggregates as “Aggregate most of which passes 4.75mm IS
sieve and contains only so much coarser material as permitted.” It may be:
i. Natural sand: Fine aggregate resulting from the natural disintegration of rock
and which has been deposited by streams or glacial agencies.
ii. Crushed stone sand: Fine aggregate produced by crushing hard stone.
iii. Crushed gravel sand: line aggregate produced by crushing natural gravel.
There are four grading zones for fine aggregates such as grading zone I, II, III, and IV.
It is recommended that fine aggregate conforming to Grading Zone IV should not be
used in reinforced concrete unless tests have been made to ascertain the suitability of
proposed mix proportions.
4.5 WATER
According to IS 456 : 2000, water used for mixing and curing shall be clean and free
from injurious amounts of oils, acids, alkalis, salts, sugar, organic materials or other
substances that may be deleterious to concrete or steel. Potable water is generally
considered satisfactory for mixing concrete. The pH value of water shall be not less
than 6
Coconut fibre both raw and processed are used in this research.
It is the waste material obtained from mattress manufacturing and possess high degree
of tensile strength of 21.5 MPa Figure 4.3. They are properly washed before use. This
will remove dust and other residual particles left on the fibre so as to augment the
surface of contact between the fibre and mix resulting in better binding between the
reinforcement and concrete and ultimately higher strength. The fibres are then cut into
square meshes of size 5cm x 5cm
1. Standard Consistency
2. Initial Setting Time
3. Final Setting Time
4. Fineness of Cement
5. Density of Cement
6. Soundness of Cement
The experiment was done as per IS 4031-Part IV and the obtained value of standard
consistency is 34 %.
Experiment was done as per IS -269:1989, clause 6.3 and the obtained value of initial
setting time is 70 min. According to IS code initial setting time of cement shall not be
less than 30 minutes.
Experiment was done as per IS -269:1989, clause 6.3 and the obtained value of final
setting time is 300 min. According to IS code initial setting time of cement should not
exceed 10 hours.
Experiment was done as per IS 4031-Part I-1996 and the obtained value of fineness of
cement is 7%.According to IS code the weight of residue should not exceed 10% for
ordinary cement.
Experiment was done in Le Chatelier’s flask and the obtained value of density of cement
is 3.09 g/ml. According to IS 4031-Part II-1988 density of cement is around 3.15 g/ml.
Experiment was done by Le Chatelier method and the obtained value of soundness of
cement is 1mm.According to IS 269:1989-Clause 6.2, the expansion of cement must
not exceed 10 mm for ordinary rapid hardening and low heating portland cement.
The experiment was carried out as per IS code 2386 part-III-1963 and IS 383.
INFERENCE
As per IS code 2386-part III -1963, the obtained value of bulk density of
aggregates lies within the range of 1.2-1.8kg/l.
The experiment was carried out as per IS code 2386 part-III-1963 and IS 383.
INFERENCE
As per IS code 2386-part III -1963, Average value of specific gravity should
lies between 2.6-2.8
Experiment was done as per IS 2386-Part I-1963,IS:383-1970 and the results are
tabulated in Table 4.1. The gradation curve is shown in Figure 4.5.
80 0 0 0 100
40 0 0 0 100
120
99.16 100
100 100
80
60
% finer
40
20
4.74
5.06
0
1 10 100
IS Sieve Size (mm) in log scale
INFERENCE
Value of fineness modulus is 6.9. As per IS 2386 part-1, 1963 fineness modulus of
coarse aggregate is between 6.5 and 8. Obtained value lies within the range. hence it
can be used for making satisfactory concrete.
The experiment was carried out as per IS code 2386 part-III-1963 and IS 383.
INFERENCE
As per IS code 2386-part III -1963, the value of bulk density of aggregates lies within
the range of 1.2-1.8kg/l. The obtained value if bulk density is 1.78 kg/l which is within
this range and hence can provide sufficient rigidity to the concrete mix
The experiment was carried out as per IS code 2386 part-III-1963 and IS 383.
Specific gravity=2.706
INFERENCE
As per IS code 2386-Part III -1963 the specific gravity of fine aggregate ranges from
2.65 to 2.68. The obtained value is 2.706 is within the range.
Experiment was done as per IS 2386-Part I-1963,IS:383-1970 and the results are
tabulated in Table 4.2 and table 4.3 respectively. The gradation curve is shown in Fig
4.6 and Fig 4.7
Sample 1
Weight of sample taken, W = 500g
120
98.976 99.516 99.684 99.864
100
80
72.976
60
40
20
12.976
0
0.1 1 10
IS Sieve Size (mm) in log scale
Sample 2
Weight of sample taken, W = 1000g
100 97.7
80
77.16
60 58.62
44.09
40
27.96
20
13.03
0
0.1 1 10
IS Sieve Size (mm) in log scale
INFERENCE
Aggregates can be grouped in to different zones according to its gradation curve. Zone
1, Zone 2, Zone 3 and Zone 4 are different zones. It is recommended that fine aggregates
conforming to Grading zone 4 should not be used in reinforced concrete. Grading of
fine aggregates has much greater effect on workability of concrete. According to IS:
2386-Part I-1963, IS: 383-1970, the graph of Sample 2. Hence Sample 2 was selected
for the experimental purpose. Properties of Sample 2 are shown in Table 4.3.
Fineness 7% <10%
INFERENCE
The values obtained for properties of cement are within the range specified by IS code.
So the given cement is suitable for construction.
INFERENCE
The properties obtained for fine aggregates are within the range given by IS code. So
the fine aggregates are good for concreting.
INFERENCE
The properties of coarse aggregates are within the range given by IS code. So the
aggregates are good for concreting.
The next chapter titled casting and testing deals with the casting, curing and tests on
concrete specimen.
Slump test is the most commonly used method of measuring consistency of concrete. It
is used conveniently as a control test and gives an indication of the uniformity of
concrete. Additional information on workability and quality of concrete can be obtained
by observing the manner in which concrete slumps. The apparatus for conducting the
slump test essentially consists of a metallic mould in the form of frustum of a cone
having the internal dimensions of bottom diameter 20 cm, top diameter 10 cm and a
height of 30 cm as shown in Figure 5.1.
5.2.3 FLEXURALSTRENGTHTEST
Workability : 100mm(slump)
Specific gravity of
Water absorption of
2) Fine aggregate : 1%
: 1.78 kg/l
b) Fine aggregate
Sieve analysis
From Table 5 of IS 456, maximum water cement ratio for M20mix = 0.55
10 3
20 2
40 1
The water content and percentage of sand in total aggregate by absolute volume
are determined from Table 2 of IS 10262 : 2009
Estimated water content for 100mm slump = 186 + (6/100*186) = 197 litres
The cement content per unit volume of concrete may be calculated from free
water cement ratio and the quantity of water per unit volume of concrete.
From Table 5 of IS 456, minimum cement content for severe exposure condition
= 320kg/m3
20 mm size aggregate and fine aggregate (zone 2) for water cement ratio of 0.50
= 0.62
a. Volume of concrete = 1 m3
b. Volume of cement = (mass of cement / (specific gravity of cement * 1000))
= (350 / (3.09 * 1000)) = 0.1275 m3
c. Volume of water = (mass of water / (specific gravity of water *
1000))
= (197 / (1 * 1000)) = 0.197 m3
d. Volume of chemical
admixture = NIL
e. Volume of all in aggregate = (a - (b + c + d)) = 1 – (0.1275 + 0.197 + 0) =
0.675 m 3
27 27 27 27 27 27 27
Coarse
Aggregate
(Kg)
Concrete is mixed either by hand Fig 5.4. In this casting process is used. Concrete is a
mixture of Cement, Water, Coarse and Fine Aggregates and Admixtures. The
proportion of each material in the mixture affects the properties of the final hardened
concrete. These proportions are best measured by weight. Measurement by volume is
not as accurate, but is suitable for minor projects. The dry ingredients are mixed and
water is added slowly until the concrete is workable. This mixture may need to be
modified depending on the aggregate used to provide a concrete of the right workability.
The mix should not be too stiff or too sloppy. It is difficult to form good test specimens
if it is too stiff. If it is too sloppy, water may separate (bleed) from the mixture.
For casting, all the moulds were cleaned and oiled properly. There were securely
tightened to correct dimension before casting. Care was taken that there is no gaps left,
where there is any possibility of leakage of slurry. Careful procedure was adopted in
the batching, mixing and casting operation. The coarse aggregate and fine aggregate
were weighed first. The concrete mixture was prepared by hand mixing on a water tight
platform. On the water tight platform cement and fine aggregates are mixed thoroughly
until a uniform colour is obtained, to this mixture coarse aggregate was added and
mixed thoroughly. Then water is added carefully making sure no water is lost during
mixing. While adding water care should be taken to add it in stages so as to prevent
bleeding which may affect the strength formation of concrete rising of water required
for hydration to the surface. Clean and oiled mould for each category was then placed
on the vibrating table respectively and filled in three layers. Vibrations were stopped as
soon as the cement slurry appeared on the top surface of the mould. Fig 5.5 shows cube
specimen placed on table vibrator.
These specimens were allowed to remain in the steel mould for the first 24 hours at
ambient condition. After that these were demoulded with care so that no edges were
broken and were placed in the tank at the ambient temperature for curing. After
demoulding the specimen by loosening the screws of the steel mould, the cubes were
placed in the water for 7 days and 28 days.
The calculated amount of cement and fine aggregate are mixed together till a uniform
mix is obtained.. The amounts of fibre adopted are 4%, 5% and 6% of cement. Coir
fibre strands are cut into a length of 5cm washed, oil coated with coconut oil and dried
in sunlight for 24 hours Fig 5.7.
It is then added to the mix until a uniform colour is obtained. Coarse aggregates are then
added to the same and mixed followed by addition of water. Care should be taken to
add water slowly in stages so as to prevent bleeding which may affect the strength
formation of concrete rising of water required for hydration to the surface. Admixture
is added towards the last stage of addition of water so as to avail sufficient time for
mixing before the concrete hardens. It is placed in the mould, compacted and finished
is shown in Fig. 5.8. 6 cubes each of the same are prepared and cured. The compressive
strength for 7day and 28 day is determined.
The calculated amount of cement and fine aggregate are mixed together till a uniform
mix is obtained. The amounts of fibre adopted are 4%, 5% and 6% of cement. Raw and
non uniform coir fibres are cut into square chips of of 5cm x 5cm. They are then washed,
oil coated with coconut oil and dried in sunlight for 24 hours and added to the mix until
a uniform colour is obtained. Coarse aggregates are then added to the same and mixed
followed by addition of water. Care should be taken to add water slowly in stages so as
to prevent bleeding which may affect the strength formation of concrete rising of water
required for hydration to the surface. Admixture is added towards the last stage of
addition of water so as to avail sufficient time for mixing before the concrete hardens
It is placed in the mould and compacted. 6 cubes each of the same are prepared and
cured. The compressive strength for 7day and 28 day is determined.
INFERENCE
From the table it is observed that the desired slump value is obtained for trial 3 at water
cement ratio = 0.5. Hence we fix it as the design ratio. Trial 1 and 2 yielded very low
slump values which may be either due to inadequate paste available for binding the mix
or due to improper mixing procedure
The compressive strength of ordinary concrete with different water cement ratio was
tested. The results are as shown in Table 5.4.
2 14.4 25.1
3 14.2 25.1
INFERENCE
For the table the average of value from the 3 observations is 25 N/mm 2, is taken as
compressive strength of plain concrete cube
Coconut fibre reinforced concrete was added to concrete at varying proportions (4% ,
5%, 6% of that of weight of cement) at a water cement ratio of 0.5 The desired slump
value and compressive strength was obtained for conventional concrete at this ratio .
However, when fibre is added to the mix low workability was observed. Hence
superplasticizer was added at different proportions of cement to get a concrete mix of
suitable workability. The result of compressive strength of fibre reinforced concrete and
slump test results are shown in Table 5.5 and is shown graphically in Fig 5.9 and Fig
5.10.
Used
14.6 25.7
2 5% 0.4 % 105
16.3 28.3
3 6% 0.8% 105
15.02 26.2
29.5 28.3
27.5
26.2
25.5
25.7
23.5
21.5
7 day
19.5
28 day
17.5 16.3
15.5
15.02
13.5 14.6
3% 4% 5% 6% 7%
% of fiber added
30
25.03
25 23.2
22.1 21.82
20
15
10
0
0% 4% 5% 6%
% of fibre added (%)
INFERENCE
The value obtained for 5% addition of coconut fibre water cement ratio 0.5 yielded
highest results for compressive strength. However, the compressive strength decreased
on the increase in fibre addition. This may be due to the fact when fibres are added
initially the finer sized fine aggregates enter into the surface pores in the fibre creating
a better bonding between the fibre and mix, however further addition of fibres causes
formation of bulk fibre in the mix decreasing the bonding. Hence there is an optimum
value of fibre to cement ratio, beyond which the compressive strength decreases. Hence
0.5 was taken as the optimum water cement ratio and optimum fibre content was taken
as 5%
Coconut fibre reinforced concrete was cast at a water cement ratio of 0.5 at which
desired slump values and compressive strength were obtained for conventional
concrete. However, when fibre is added the mix showed very low workability. Hence
superplasticizer was added at different proportions of cement to get a concrete mix with
suitable workability. The result of compressive strength of fibre reinforced concrete and
slump test results are shown in Table 5.6 and is shown graphically in Fig 5.11 and Fig
5.12
INFERENCE
From the table a decreasing trend in compressive strength is observed with a maximum
at 4% fibre addition. On further addition of fibres compressive strength values way
below that of conventional concrete is obtained. This is due to formation of zone of
transition, which creates a weak zone around the fibre making the entire specimen weak.
Moreover the thickness of the fibres can hinder better packing of the constituents of
concrete thus making it weak.
23.2 22.1
22.5
21.82
20.5
18.5
16.5 7 day
10.5
3% 4% 5% 6% 7%
% of fibre added (%)
30
25.03
25 23.2
22.1 21.82
20
15
7 day
28 day
10
0
0% 4% 5% 6%
% of fibre added (%)
INFERENCE
Also, the compressive strength value is still less than that of plain concrete .This can
also be due to the presence of dust and other impurities on the surface of fibres which
may interefere with proper bonding of mix and subsequent strength formation. Another
important factor is the influence of shape of fibres. Only properly combed fibre strands
can be used for reinforcing concrete as presence of bulk fibres can result in improper
compaction
Table 5.7 : Split tensile strength for processed Plain Concrete cylinders
Specimen w/c ratio Slump Value 28 day strength
(mm) (N/mm2)
2 3.46
3 3.46
Average 3.44
Used
Average = 4.17
4.57
4.5
4.14
4
3.8
3.5
0% 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 6% 7%
% of fibre added (%)
4.57
4.5
4.14
4
3.8
3.5
4% 5% 6%
% of fibre added (%)
INFERENCE
From the graph it is seen that when fibre content is increased there is an increase in split
tensile strength with a maximum at 5% of fibre. However when the fibre content is
increased beyond this value a downward slope of the graph is observed. This is due to
the fact that tensile failure occurs due to the dislocation of atoms and molecules present
in concrete. However when the fibre is added it acts as a binder holding them together.
The results for Split tensile strength of raw fibre reinforced concrete and slump test
results are shown in Table 5.9 and is shown graphically in Fig 5.16 and Fig 5.17.
Table 5.9 : Split tensile strength for raw CFRC cylinders
Specimen w/c Percentage of Amount of Slump Split Tensile
ratio coconut fibre superplasticizer Value strength(N/mm2)
added used
(mm)
Average 4.33
5
4.86
4.5
4.15
4
3.98
3.5
0% 2% 4% 6% 8%
% of fibre added (%)
6
4.86
3.98 4.15
4
0
4% 5% 6%
% of fibre added (%)
FRC CYLINDERS
Table 5.10 : Comparison of post peak load failure in raw and processed CFRC
INFERENCE
Fig 5.18 shows the variation in cracking pattern of conventional and fibre reinforced
concrete.It is seen that in conventional concrete abrupt failure occurred which is
represented by cracking of cylinder into two halves at maximum load,however for
CFRCthere is a time lag before the specimen actually fails.Cracks were found to be
held together after the initial cracking occured and even after the test was continued up
to360 sec post the failure.This is due to post peak load strength making it suitable for
earth quake prone regions so that sufficent warning period is available before the
disintegration of structure.The post peak load strengths of both processed fibre and raw
fibre mesh reinforced concrete are shown in table 5.10
2 3.75
3 3.75
Average 3.67
Table 5.12 : Flexural strength for processed Coconut Fibre Reinforced Concrete
Beams
Specimen w/c Percentage Slump Flexural
ratio of coconut Value strength(N/mm2)
fibre added Amount of
superplasticizer (mm)
Used
Average 4.53
5
4.83
4.5 4.6
Series1
4.16
4
3.5
0% 2% 4% 6% 8%
% of fibre added (%)
5
4.83
4.6
4.5
4.16
Series1
4
3.5
4% 5% 6%
% of fibre added (%)
INFERENCE
From the graph it is seen that when fibre content is increased there is an increase in
flexural strength with a maximum at 5% of fibre. However when the fibre content is
increased beyond this value a downward slope of the graph is observed
The results for Split tensile strength of raw fibre reinforced concrete and slump test
results are shown in Table 5.13 and is shown graphically in Fig 5.22 and Fig 5.23.The
cracking pattern of the beam is shown in Fig 5.24.
Table 5.13 : Flexural strength for raw Coconut Fibre Reinforced Concrete
Beams
Specimen w/c Percentage of Amount of Slump Flexural
ratio coconut fibre superplasticizer Value strength(N/mm2)
added used
(mm)
Average 4.38
5
4.73
4.5
4.4
4
4.02
3.5
0% 1% 2% 3% 4% 5% 6% 7%
% of fibre added (%)
4.5 4.4
4.02
4
3.5
4% 5% 6%
% of fibre added (%)
INFERENCE
From the graph it is seen that when fibre content is increased there is an increase in
flexural strength with a maximum at 5% of fibre. However when the fibre content is
increased beyond this value a downward slope of the graph is observed. This must be
due to balling of fibres which can hamper the binding and strength formation in
concrete.
6. CONCLUSION
Coconut fibre is available in abundance at the test site, which makes it quite viable as a
reinforcement material in concrete. Further, it acts as a source of income for the coconut
producer who gets the benefits of the new demand generated by the construction
industry. In addition to this, it is an efficient method for the disposal of coir mattress
waste which will reduce the demand for additional waste disposal infrastructure and
decrease the load on existing landfills and incinerators. Coconut fibres being natural in
origin, is ecologically sustainable and can bring down the global carbon footprint quite
effectively.
2. When the fibre content is increased there is an increase in split tensile strength
with a maximum at 5%. However when the fibre content is increased beyond
this value a reduction in tensile strength is observed. This is due to the fact that
tensile failure occurs due to the dislocation of atoms and molecules present in
concrete. However when the fibre is added it acts as a binder holding them
together.
5. The tensile properties and cracking pattern of CFRC shows that it can be
particularly useful in construction activities in seismic zones due to its high
tensile strength and post peak load behaviour, which offers sufficient warning
to the inhabitants before complete collapse of the structure.
AmalJyothi College Of Engineering 60
Department Of Civil Engineering 2014
6. Due to its relatively higher strength and ductility, It can be a good replacement
for asbestos fibres in roofing sheets, which being natural in origin pose zero
threat to the environment
8. It can also be used as the reinforcement material in cement fibre boards which
can act as a good backing to tiles thereby improving its impact resistance and
also in faux ceilings. The advantage of cement fibre boards is its ability to
survive under moist environments unlike paper based gypsum boards
6.1 LIMITATIONS OF THE PROJECT
The limitations of this project are:
Coconut fibre is a good insulator in itself and as such it can improve the thermal
properties of concrete. This is particularly useful in a tropical country like India where
the mercury levels are quite high for most part of the year, so as to maintain the room
temperatures within comfort levels of its inhabitants. It can also reduce the load on air
conditioning systems thus reducing the power consumption.
The acoustic properties of concrete reinforced with other natural fibres have been
studied in the past using an impedance tube apparatus and the results are fair enough to
justify the use of coconut fibres as an alternative which is a good absorbent due to the
presence of surface pores.
7. REFERENCES
1. Majid Ali, Nawawi Chouw (2012),“Experimental investigations on coconut-fibre
rope tensile strength and pullout from coconut fibre reinforced concrete”,
Construction and Building Materials, 41, 681–690
4. Noor Md. Sadiqul Hassan, Habibur Rahman Sobuz (2012),“Use of coconut fibre
in production of structural light weight concrete”, Journal of applied sciences 12(9)
831- 839, 2012
5. Vijay Chavada, A.A Parikh (2013), “An application review of coir fibre reinforced
concrete”, Vol. 2 Issue 4 ISSN: 2278-7844
8. Joanna M Ferraz, Sabrina A Martins, Claudio H.S Del Menezzi (2013), “Effect of
coir fibre treatment and coir-fibre ratio on properties of cement bonded
composites”, Bio Resources 6(3), 3481-3492
10. Izad Amir Bin Abdul Karim (2012),“Effect of coconut waste on concrete structure
component”ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 30(2012). 2538 –
2547.
11. Yalley, P. P. and Kwan, A.S K (2008), “Use of coconut fibre as an enhancement of
concrete”, International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering
&Technology, 27(5), 2008, pp. 575-582.
12. Kamel K.Alzboon and Khalid N.Mahasneh (2009), “Effect of Using Mattress
Waste on the Compression Strength and Slump Characteristics of Concrete”,
Construction and Building Materials 2009;23(2):865–71.
14. Bhowmick B.B. and Debnath C. R. (2007), “Properties of coir”, Indian coconut
journal, 15, (5), 2007. p.12