Effect of Coir Fiber Reinforcement on Flexural and Compressive Strengths of Masonry Mortar

An appreciable quantity of cement is consumed as binder for masonry mortar, which has resulted in cost escalation and high energy consumption in building construction, in addition to contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, disposal of waste lignocellulosic materials as agricultural residues persists as an unsolved technical problem creating environmental pollution. This paper proposes an effective solution for these two critical issues. Coir fiber, when used as a reinforcement material in cement, was found to be effective in enhancing the mechanical properties of the binder. The application of coir fiber reinforcement on strong, moderate, and weak masonry mortars with respect to strength criteria is examined in this study. ANOVA analysis was carried out to examine the level of significance of coir fiber reinforcement on the flexural and compressive strengths of masonry mortar. The findings from the study revealed that 0.5% coir fiber reinforcement enhanced flexural strength of strong mortar by 18%–22%, moderate mortar by 21%, weak mortar by 10%, and compressive strength of strong mortars by 16%–19% by contributing strength in the early curing period. Moreover, coir fiber–reinforced mortars satisfied the compressive strength criteria required of strong mortar (7.5 to 10 N/mm2), moderate mortar (5 N/mm2), and weak (3 N/mm2) mortar for its application as mortar on masonry walls in accordance with Indian standards.