Investigating the mechanical properties of coconut fiber reinforced cemented sand:

Abstract

Soil improvement by insertion of cement to the soil matrix increases the strength of the soil while the addition of fibers provides an increase in ductility, reducing the post-peak loss in strength. This research paper reports the mechanical properties of unreinforced and coconut fiber-reinforced cemented sand. The research was carried out using sand, Portland cement (O.P.C-CEM1 42.5), and coconut fibers of 25mm long. Three different cement contents (3%, 6% and 9%) and three fiber contents (0.5%,1% and 1.5%) were used in this experimental program. The analysis of the results shows that an increase in cement content results in an increase in flexural strength. Fiber insertion generated an increase in strength for all the three cement concentrations. It was observed the cemented sand reinforced with 1% coconut fiber demonstrated the highest flexural and compressive strength. However, beyond the optimum fiber content, there was a reduction in strength for all the three cement concentrations. The reduction can be attributed to an entanglement of the fibers in higher compaction strengths, disrupting the formation of cementitious bonds. Results of water absorption and density are also presented below.