Investigation of the Compressive Strength of Coconut Coir Fibre- Reinforced Concrete

Amanda Ugochi Eziefula; Onyowoicho Cynthia Ohagoro; Saleh Mamman Abdullahi; Abdulkadir Sabo Osu

doi:10.56201/ijemt.vol.11.no9.2025.pg232.242

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Investigation of the Compressive Strength of Coconut Coir Fibre- Reinforced Concrete

Amanda Ugochi Eziefula, Onyowoicho Cynthia Ohagoro, Saleh Mamman Abdullahi, and Abdulkadir Sabo Osu

Abstract

This study explores the compressive strength performance of coconut coir fibre-reinforced concrete (CCFRC) with fibre contents ranging from 0% to 6% by weight of cement. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), river sand, and crushed granite formed the base materials, with coir fibres treated and uniformly cut to 25 mm lengths to improve fibre–matrix bonding. Concrete samples were produced following BS EN standards and subjected to curing periods of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days prior to assessing compressive strength and density. Results indicated that low fibre incorporations (1–2%) positively influenced the compressive strength relative to the control mix, with an optimal strength of 26.22 N/mm² achieved at 2% fibre dosage after 28 days of curing. Beyond this threshold (?3%), strength declined significantly due to reduced workability, fibre clustering, and void formation within the matrix. Density measurements paralleled these findings, showing sustained matrix compactness at low fibre additions, whereas excessive fibre content resulted in decreased density attributable to accumulation effects and increased porosity. These outcomes suggest that coconut coir fibres serve as an effective and sustainable reinforcement for concrete when employed at optimal dosages, delivering both structural performance enhancements and environmental benefits. This research contributes to advancing eco-friendly construction materials by highlighting the threshold limits necessary to balance mechanical properties and workability in fibre-reinforced concretes.

Keywords

Coconut coir fibre concretecompressive strengthfibre reinforcementdensity

References

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Investigation of the Compressive Strength of Coconut Coir Fibre- Reinforced Concrete

Abstract

Keywords

References

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