Effect of coir fibre and clayey soil on the strength of unglazed roofing tiles

Abstract

Agricultural waste based roofing materials can be useful in the construction of farm structures and green buildings. This study evaluated the transverse breaking strength, flexural strength and Water Absorption properties of concrete roofing tile replacing the conventionally used sisal fiber which provides transverse strength with coir fiber and plaster sand with clay soil. Five roofing tile samples of different mix design were produced. The result attained for the flexural test and transverse breaking strength for all roofing tile samples at 28 days test showed that roofing tile replace with 100% coir fiber can also be used commercially although it is not as strong as the roofing tile with 100% coir fiber. The result attained for water absorption was within the acceptable value according to ASTM C1492.