Variability Analysis of Compressive and Flexural Performance of Coconut Fibre Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a high-performance material that flows freely and consolidates without segregation or bleeding. Though several studies have been carried out on the properties of SCC, none has checked the effectiveness of coconut fibre in SCC. Therefore, this study investigated the effectiveness of incorporating coconut fibre into SCC to improve its strength and toughness. Four mixtures were considered, the first having no inclusion of fibre while the remaining three had coconut fibre inclusions of 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% by weight of cement. The samples were tested for their workability, passing ability compressive and flexural strengths. Analysis of Variance was used to determine if there was any statistical difference between the mean values of the compressive and flexural strengths of the concrete or if the values were similar. The addition of coconut fibre reduced the workability and passing ability of the concrete, but all mixes met the SCC specification. The CFRSCC with 0.2% had the highest compressive and flexural strengths. Only the compressive strength of 0.6% incorporation of fibre significantly differs from the strength of all other fibre incorporation in the SCC. The study concluded that adding 0.2% coconut fibre to SCC can increase its strength. The use of natural fibres like coconut can enhance the properties of concrete and could be an alternative to synthetic fibres, especially in regions where natural fibres are locally available and cost-effective.