Enhancing the mechanical and durability quality of fibre-modified concrete using eco-sustainable wastes and lime powder

The use of agro-waste as reinforcement can enhance the mechanical and water absorption properties of concrete. The study investigates the use of agro-wastes, such as coconut fiber and plantain peel ash (PPA), combined with lime powder to enhance concrete properties and mitigate environmental harm. Coir fiber was added to the concrete at 0%, 5%, and 10% of the concrete's total density, while the cement was partially substituted with lime powder at 0%, 10%, and 20%, and with PPA at 1.5%. The concrete mix's qualities were evaluated at different ratios. A concrete mix containing 10% lime powder, 0.5% coconut fiber, and 1.5% plantain peel ash yielded higher flexural and split tensile strengths, while the highest compressive strength compared with the control (Mix 1) was achieved with fiber content ranging from 0.5% to 1%. The concrete with 0.5% coir fiber, 10% lime, and 1.5% PPA showed better water absorption than other mixes. The study reveals that alkali-treated coconut fiber enhances the tensile strength of concrete, while plantain peel ash, lime powder, and coconut fiber decrease workability and increase compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths. Nigeria's sustainable management of agricultural waste, such as coconut fiber and plantain peels, can improve concrete workability, reduce Portland cement usage, and decrease CO₂ emissions.