Determination of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Fibre-Reinforced Coconut Shell Concrete

This study investigates the potential of using Elephant Grass Straw (EGS) as a reinforcing fibre in Coconut Shell Concrete (CSC) to enhance its mechanical properties. CSC, with a target compressive strength of 20 N/mm², was prepared using coconut shells as coarse aggregate. EGS was incorporated at varying percentages (1-5% by weight of cement). The coconut shell was tested for its properties while the fresh concrete was tested for its workability. The hardened concrete was tested for its density, water absorption capacity, compressive and split tensile strengths. The results indicate that the addition of EGS negatively impacts the workability, compressive and splitting tensile strengths of the concrete specimens. After 28 days of curing, the control sample (without EGS) exhibited the highest compressive strength at 23.1 N/mm² and splitting tensile strength at 1.74 N/mm². Furthermore, a decrease in compressive strength, workability and density was observed, while water absorption capacity increased with EGS inclusion. Overall, this study demonstrates that the incorporation of EGS does not improve the quality of CSC.