Effects of Coconut and Polypropylene Fibers on Properties of Mortar Containing Fly Ash as a Partial Replacement for Sand

This study investigates the influences of coconut and polypropylene fibers (PP) on the performances of mortar containing fly ash as a sand replacement material. Fiber-to-cement ratio is 0.3%. Fly ash to fine aggregate ratios are 0, 10, and 20% by volume. Flow, compressive strength, flexural strength, and total shrinkage of mortar are studied. Based on the results, the flow of mortar containing fibers is decreased. The decreased flow of mortar with coconut fibers is more than that of mortar with PP fiber. The compressive strength of mixtures is slightly enhanced by using fibers. Only polypropylene fiber shows more effectiveness to enhance the flexural strength of mortar. The use of fly ash as a fine aggregate decreases the flow and increases the compressive strength of mortar. Total shrinkage of mortars is significantly reduced by using both coconut and polypropylene fibers. Overall, the mortar with polypropylene fiber shows better performance than coconut fiber mortar, especially mortars with fly ash as a sand replacement material.