Enhancing Concrete Strength Using Coconut Shell as Coarse Aggregate Replacement and Coir Fibers

Abstract: Coconut shell can be used as an alternative to soft materials in whole or in part, and coir fiber can be added as reinforcement in normal mixes; hence the need for this study. Research aims to increase the strength of concrete using agricultural waste with various percentages of CS replacement (10%, 15%, 20%) and different CF (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%) based on the volume of concrete) for sustainable construction practices. Mechanical properties of the prepared concrete were evaluated in various areas, including compressive strength, impact strength, and curing ages. The results show that key findings, e.g., partial replacement of coarse aggregate up to a certain percentage of CF, improved the impact strength and impact resistance. The study concluded that the addition of CS and CF in concrete provides a promising approach for the development of enhanced, technologically sustainable, and cost-effective building materials