Potential use of coconut stem as reinforcement in concrete slab

The utilization of an economical, eco-friendly, renewable building material has gained the attention of researchers lately. The construction sector is responsible for depleting large quantities of non-renewable resources. This activity not only generates millions of tons of mineral waste but millions of tons of carbon dioxide gas emissions as well. Research is thus needed on building materials based on renewable resources such as vegetable fibres. Investigated was on the possible use of coconut stem strips as reinforcement in concrete paste. The coconut stem was cut into various lengths, diameter, treated and coated with gloss paint and coal tar. Various tests in accordance to standard were conducted to determine the performance of the coconut stem strips. Compressive strength test and impact load tests were carried out on the concrete slab specimens to satisfy the desire of incorporating coconut stem as reinforcement in concrete slab. The compressive strength was performed on a large number of concrete cubes; 3 cubes each for day 7, 14, 21 and 28. As regards the impact loads test, 13 slabs were cast, 3 slabs each containing steel, dried coconut stem strips, gloss painted coconut stem strips, coal tar coated coconut stem strips with varying dimensions of 16 × 15 mm, 20 × 15 mm and 25 × 15 mm and plain slab without reinforcement serving as control. As expected, the slab reinforced with steel showed better strength in the cured state; however, the 2% of the coconut stripes reinforcement treated with coal tar would serve as good as the conventional steel reinforcement for normal concrete. The coal tar can be used for low-bearing load structures such as lintel and pavement.