The development of cement composites reinforced coconut fiber with fly ash addition: mechanical properties and fracture behaviour

Abstract

This research paper presents a study on the development of cement composites reinforced coconut fiber with fly ash addition. Various content of coconut fiber (3 wt. %, 6 wt. %, 9 wt. %, 12 wt. % and 15 wt. %) was added to the cement composites composition as reinforcement. Additions of 20 wt. % fly ash and 80 wt. % of sand were used as a mixture of cement matrix. Water to cement weight ratio ranging from 0.55 to 0.70 was used in the cement composites to maintain workability. The cement composites were then cured for 7, 14 and 28 days. The result is presented in terms of compressive strength, modulus of rupture and fracture behavior.