Lignocellulosic materials as reinforcement and replacement for binders in masonry mortar

Abstract

• Utilization of lignocellulosic materials in binder for masonry mortar. • Protecting environment from the ill effects of waste disposal. • Length of treated coir fiber found significant on compressive strength of binder. • Coir fiber reinforcement led to early strength attainment of binder. • Rice husk ash replacement provided later strength attainment of binder. Binders constitute an integral part of masonry in binding the building units together, resulting in a dense configuration. A binder’s properties can be enhanced by reinforcement or replacement with lignocellulosic materials. Because they are available in abundance in nature, either in their natural forms or as agricultural residues, these materials are ideal candidates for enhancing the mechanical properties of binders. This would also provide a solution for the conversion of agricultural wastes to eco-friendly raw materials for construction. This study focused on the development of a sustainable binder for masonry mortar, through experimental investigations using lignocellulosic materials such as coir fiber as reinforcement and rice husk in the form of ash as a replacement for cement as a binder. The levels of significance of various parameters of the lignocellulosic materials influencing the mechanical properties of the binder were tested using a statistical method.