Coconut Coir Fiber and Coconut Shell as Substitute to Fine Aggregates in Concrete Mortar Cubes

Abstract

Traditional building materials often rely on non-renewable resources, raising environmental concerns. This study assesses the compressive strength of concrete mortar cubes through fine aggregate replacement with 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of coconut coir fiber (CCF) and coconut shell (CS). CCF replacements were viable up to 40% with 1768.88 psi but showed a decline thereafter. CS and combined coconut shell and coir fiber (CSCF) replacements consistently resulted in decreased compressive strength up to the 28th day of curing, specifically at the 20% replacement level with a result of 1695.29 psi and 1,817 psi, respectively. However, all replacement types generally resulted in reduced strength compared to the control specimen but has shown potential in further concrete applications.