Impact on strength of concrete by coconut coir and polypropylene fibers

Abstract

Plain concrete is tough in terms of compression and feeble in tension, which leads to development of cracks in structure. The internal micro cracks in concrete which are formed due to tensile stresses, can be minimized and prevented by the addition of fibers in concrete. This project aims at the enhancement of concrete properties with the intrusion of hybrid fibers, by controlling the effect of cracks. The dosages of fibers are 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% to the weight of cement. The hybrid fibers used in this work are the combination of synthetic fiber of polypropylene twines of 1 to 2 cm and natural fiber of coconut coir of length 2 to 3 cm. The specimen made up of hybrid fibers and conventional concrete are tested for engineering properties like compressive, split-tensile, flexure strength. A comparative study is done between hybrid concrete and conventional concrete.