Journal of Steel Structures & Construction

Effect of Coconut Fibre on the Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Reinforced Concrete in Marine Environment

Abstract

Farooq A, Saleem A and Ahmad R

The aim of the research was to enhance the mechanical and corrosion properties by adding coconut fibre in the concrete. Different compositions of concrete mixtures using Ravi and Chenab sand with and without fibre have been prepared. The mechanical properties were evaluated by compression and pull-out strength while corrosion properties by measuring half-cell potential before and after exposing to the different time duration in marine environment. As the different concrete possesses the complex properties, thus by the addition of fibres, improvement in all properties is not observed. The improved swell and crack resistance was also notified. However, adverse effects were observed in the compressive strength after introduction of fibres. Cumulatively, better corrosion resistance, 20% lesser compressive strength, 17 % higher pull-out strength and higher moisture absorption was observed for fibre reinforced concrete as compared with plain concrete.