Experimental Investigation of Concrete by Addition of Coconut Fiber and Partial Replacement of FA by Granite Powder

Abstract

This project investigates the mechanical behavior of partial replacement of fine aggregate in concrete by Granite fines. Granite fines are dust obtained from cutting and sizing of granites in the Granite Industry and are normally used as landfills. Disposing the fine particles contributes to various environmental hazards like pollution of land and air. Experimental analysis reveals that the granite fine particles exhibit the properties of fine aggregate such as size, fineness and filling nature when examined. For the study, a concrete mix has been designed to achieve the minimum grade of M30 as required by IS 456-2000. Concrete is prepared with granite fines as a partial replacement of fine aggregate in different proportions namely starting from 5%,10%,15%,20%,25%,30% and 35%. Natural fiber like coconut fiber exhibit certain physical and mechanical characteristics that can be utilized effectively in the development of fiber-reinforced concrete material. In most cases, these coconut fibers are dumped and utilised as agricultural waste to retain moisture in the land, making it an economical product. Fibers are added in different proportions such as 0.5%,1%,1.5%,2%,2.5% and 3%. To identify the effects on workability and mechanical strength properties due to the addition of coconut fibers, workability test such as the slump test was carried out. And for the mechanical strength tests on standard specimens such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength was conducted on different replacement percentages of granites and also the addition of fibers on various proportions was carried out. Through testing numerous samples on various replacements the optimum replacement of granite powder and addition of coconut fiber was determined.