Flexural Strength of Concrete Beams Containing Twinned Coconut Fibers

The study examined the effect of twined coconut fibers as reinforcement to concrete beams on its flexural strength and cracking behavior. For treatment, 25% twined coconut fibers were added as reinforcement. The ratio of 1:2:4 mixture of concrete was used in making the specimens and a curing period of twenty-eight days was observed. The results showed that the concrete beams reinforced with twined coconut fibers yielded a higher flexural strength compared to concrete beams without coconut fiber reinforcement. Moreover, concrete beams with twined coconut fibers indicated transformation from abrupt to gradual failure of the specimens and splitting when ultimate load was applied. Hence, the added twined coconut fibers enhanced the flexural strength of the concrete beams.

Key words- Twinned coconut fibers, Concrete mix, Flexural strength, Concrete beams.