Analysing the Impact and Investigating Coconut Shell Fiber Reinforced Concrete (CSFRC) under Varied Loading Conditions

Abstract

This experimental study focuses on analyzing the compositional characteristics of Coconut Shell Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (CSFRC) under varying impact loading conditions. To conduct the experiments, a specially designed falling weight hammer system was utilized to apply cyclic impact loads to both one-time and recurrently tested specimens. The study evaluated two types of specimens: plain Cement Concrete (PCC) and CSFRC, with dimensions of 150 mm in diameter and 300 mm in height for larger specimens and 100 mm in diameter and 150 mm in height for smaller ones. The impact testing involved subjecting these specimens to critical impact load energies using a drop hammering impact load test. Several parameters, including impact pressure, elastic modulus exchange, and the dynamic instability factor (DIF) of CSFRC, were studied during a single load impact test. Through a series of impact tests, the study established a correlation between the maximum compressive stresses experienced and the significant damage caused by the impact loading. It was observed that the maximum critical impact stress levels were linked to the peaks in impact loading, leading to a conclusive finding. This study also focuses on investigating the behavior of Coconut Shell Fiber Reinforced Concrete (CSFRC) under diverse loading conditions. To assess the performance of CSFRC, we subjected specimens to varying types and levels of loading. These specimens, along with plain Cement Concrete (PCC) reference samples, were prepared in two different sizes: 150 mm in diameter and 300 mm in height for larger specimens and 100 mm in diameter and 150 mm in height for smaller ones. The impact testing involved exposing the CSFRC specimens to critical impact load energies using a drop hammering impact load test. Throughout these tests, we examined impact pressure, elastic modulus exchange, and the dynamic response represented by the dynamic increase factor (DIF) specific to CSFRC. Furthermore, we conducted a comparative analysis to assess and contrast the primary failure modes and risks associated with PCC and CSFRC samples under varying loading conditions. Through a series of rigorous impact tests, we established a conclusive relationship between the maximum compressive stresses reached and the extent of damage incurred due to the impact loading. Our findings illuminate how CSFRC behaves and responds to different loading conditions, shedding light on its suitability for various applications in construction and engineering.