ABSTRACT
Comprehensive test data on the fresh and mechanical properties of concrete reinforced with short randomly oriented coir fibres are presented. Three types of cement matrices were used, and the combined effect of fibre parameters on workability, compressive properties, flexural and tensile stress-strain were examined and discussed in this paper. Findings showed that in spite of a nominal increase in flexural, tensile and compressive strengths, a significant improvement in toughness, ductility and post-crack strength of the composite occurred. Properties were summarized in simple empirical expression in the form of composite mechanics approach.
