Abstract:
The study investigated the improvements in post-peak resistance induced
by the introduction of coconut fiber in earth cement blocks. Earth cement
blocks reinforced by coconut fiber of various fiber weight fractions were
tested under axial compression and flexural loading to examine the
response of the material in terms of peak load-carrying capacity, postpeak
residual strength and toughness. It was observed that the coconut
fiber reinforcement greatly improved the residual strength, ductility and
energy absorption of the earth cement blocks. For durability, against the
alkaline attack and the acid attack was reduced by the addition of coconut
fiber in the mortar. Similar durability improvement shows against freezethaw
and wet-dry cycle.
