Evaluation of Fresh Properties and Compressive Strength of Self-Compacting Concrete Reinforced with Coir Fibers and Modified with Chemical Admixtures

Abstract

In today’s construction industry, there is a growing focus on sustainable concrete practices that involve utilizing various waste materials to enhance concrete’s mechanical properties. Coir fiber (CF), derived from coconut husk and generally a waste material, stands as a promising fiber addition to concrete in this regard. This study has investigated the fresh and mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) reinforced with CF. Dosage rates were 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% of the total concrete volume with a definite CF length of 19-20 mm. To assess the suitability of SCC mixes, evaluations were carried out using slump flow, V funnel, L Box, and J-ring tests, and the resulting fresh properties were compared to the criteria outlined in the EFNARC Guidelines. Superplasticizer (SP) dosage depended on the desired results of fresh SCC properties. Additionally, compressive strength was evaluated after 28 days of curing the SCC specimens. The results indicate that the compressive strength increases with fiber content up to 0.2%, but excessive SP dosage is required at 0.3% CF dosage and shows an inverse effect on compressive strength. The highest compressive strength was achieved in the SCC mix having 0.2% CF, which was 8.9% greater than the control mix.