Experimental Study on Concrete as a Partial Replacement of Cement with Natural Fibers and Artificial Fibers

This project work involves an experimental investigation of the natural and artificial fibers those are polyester and coconut fibers on the mechanical properties of the concrete. In this experimental study involves two types of concrete mixes were prepared individually. Polyester fiber of 0.5% to 2.0% and coconut fiber of 0.5% to 2.5% by weight of cement were added to the mixes. After that a comparative analysis has been carried out for conventional concrete to that of the fiber reinforced in relation to their compressive, split tensile and flexural properties. In this study the observation shows that, the percentile of fiber content increases from 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% for polyester fiber and 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% for coconut fiber in concrete mixes. By the experimental work the compressive, split tensile and flexural strengths are proportionally increased both polyester and coconut fiber usage. It is observed that the optimum dosages of polyester fiber is 1.5% and coconut fiber is 2.0% by weight of cement.