Assessment of Micro-Strength Properties and Strength Enhancement of the Biomass Aggregate Concrete

Lightweight concrete materials have rapidly evolved in recent years as they can act as disaster-resistant materials. However, very few studies have been undertaken on micro-strength properties and enhancement. This study has conducted experimental investigations on the micro–macro-strength properties of biomass aggregate concrete developed by replacing mineral aggregates with coconut shells (5, 10, 20%). In addition, strength and mechanical properties enhancement is tried by using fiber reinforcement. Results show that as the replacement percentage of coconut shells increases in conventional concrete, the unit weight, compressive strength, and tensile strength decrease. In addition, in higher coconut shells replaced concrete, as the curing time increases, unit weight increases. It is mainly because of the water absorption properties of coconut shells. The addition of PP fibers, steel fibers, and the combination has reduced compressive strength by 10, 10, and 22%, respectively. In contrast, tensile strength was increased by PP fibers by 14 and increased by 43 and 22% by steel and combination fibers. The concrete mix's microstructure shows that the coconut shell found a better bonding because of high moisture observation. The mineral composition of biomass aggregate concrete showed the percentage of coconut shells directly proportional to the percentage increase in micro-element increase compared to conventional concrete.