Influence of coconut fiber on mortar properties in masonry walls

Socrates Pedro Muñoz Pérez; Luigi Italo Villena Zapata; Franklin Luis Tesen Muñoz; Yan Carlos  Coronel Sanchez; Juan Garcia; Carlos Eduardo Ramos Ramos

doi:10.56748/ejse.23391

Authors

Socrates Muñoz National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3182-8735
Luigi Villena Universidad César Vallejo
Franklin Tesen Universidad Señor de Sipan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3387-0339
Yan Coronel Universidad Señor de Sipan
Juan Garcia Universidad Señor de Sipán https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7134-8408
Carlos Ramos Universidad de San Martín de Porres https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8786-0219

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56748/ejse.23391

Keywords:

Coconut fiber, Masonry, Mechanical properties, Mortar, Strength

Abstract

The scarcity of stone materials, such as sand, has led to the exploration of alternative, sustainable options for mortars, including coconut fiber. This material, with minimal intervention in various areas of Peru, has proven to be an excellent choice in mortar preparation due to its characteristics of strength and durability. The study aimed to assess the influence of coconut fiber in mortar applications on the mechanical properties of clay brick masonry. Mixes were created with ratios of 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5, incorporating coconut fiber pre-treated at percentages of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% relative to the weight of cement and a length of 3 cm, respectively. Tests, including fluidity, compressive strength, and flexural strength, were conducted on mortar specimens. The behavior of clay brick masonry was evaluated through flexural strength, axial compression in prisms, and diagonal compression in walls. The most favorable result was observed in the 1:3 mix with the addition of 0.5% fiber, demonstrating a remarkable 22.6% increase in flexural strength compared to standard mortar. Subsequently, in masonry tests, the addition of 0.5% coconut fiber in 1:3 ratio mortars showed increases of 3.9%, 65.9%, and 3.3% in compressive strength, flexural strength, and diagonal compression in walls, respectively, compared to the standard samples. In conclusion, the addition of coconut fiber contributes significantly to the enhancement of mortar properties.

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Author Biographies

Socrates Muñoz, National University Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza

Civil Engineer graduated from the Universidad Nacional Pedro Ruiz Gallo Lambayeque in 2006, with 11 years of experience in execution of civil works and production of pre-fabricated and prestressed and 13 years of collegiate, with a Master's degree in Earth Sciences with Mention in Geotechnics graduated from the Universidad Nacional de San Agustin Arequipa, with a Diploma in Applied Geology Specialization in Mining by the Mining Chamber of Peru. My main values are loyalty, responsibility, companionship, punctuality and the desire to improve. Former undergraduate professor in the courses of Soil Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Geology at the Universidad Catolica San Pablo, Universidad Nestor Caceres Velasquez, Universidad Alas Peruanas, Former Postgraduate Professor at the Universidad Nestor Caceres Velasquez in the course of Soil and Rock Mechanics, Professor at the Universidad Señor de Sipan.

Luigi Villena, Universidad César Vallejo

I have the following capabilities: Ability to lead and integrate interdisciplinary work in areas such as engineering, health sciences, agricultural, economic and social. Ability to develop statistical advisory and consulting work. Information management, with the objective of generating relevant results for decision making under uncertainty conditions. Special emphasis in the attitudinal aspects, related to the integral professional formation, which allows me to face labor problems with the moral and ethical principles of a discipline that implies the collection and analysis of information that is often reserved.

Franklin Tesen, Universidad Señor de Sipan

Bachelor in Civil Engineering

Yan Coronel, Universidad Señor de Sipan

Bachelor in Civil Engineering

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