Sustainable Soil Improvement Using Eco-Friendly and Waste-Based Materials (Coconut Fiber and Bagasse Ash)

The environmental impact of lime and cement has prompted researchers to seek alternative, eco-friendly, and sustainable construction materials. One approach is to utilize agricultural or industrial waste as a substitute for cement in concrete or soil improvement, thereby reducing waste while providing an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution. Coconut fiber waste and bagasse ash are potential alternatives. This study investigated the effect of a combination of coconut fiber and bagasse ash on improving the properties of soft clay. The coconut fiber content used was 0.75%, while the bagasse ash content varied. The test used was a splitting tensile test, which applied a diametral load to an unconfined compression testing machine. The test results showed that the soil mixed with coconut fiber and bagasse ash experienced a significant increase in tensile strength and more stable lateral deformation. Based on these results, agricultural waste has excellent potential to be developed as a sustainable soil improvement material that minimizes environmental impact.