Engineering performance assessment of sustainable coconut coir fiber-reinforced pervious concrete for perforated breakwater design

Susi Hariyani; Randy Setiawan; Elza Naila Edi Priyoto; Riska Amelia Putri Permatasya

doi:10.58524/jasme.v6i3.1451

Authors

Susi Hariyani Politeknik Negeri Pontianak, Indonesia
Randy Setiawan Politeknik Negeri Pontianak, Indonesia
Elza Naila Edi Priyoto Politeknik Negeri Pontianak, Indonesia
Riska Amelia Putri Permatasya Politeknik Negeri Pontianak, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58524/jasme.v6i3.1451

Keywords:

Coconut Coir Fiber, Engineering Performance, Perforated Breakwater, Pervious Concrete, Sustainable Concrete

Abstract

Background: Coastal erosion has increased the demand for sustainable construction materials capable of reducing wave energy while minimizing environmental impacts. Pervious concrete is considered a promising alternative for perforated breakwaters because of its interconnected pore structure; however, its relatively low mechanical strength remains a major limitation.

Aims: This study assesses the engineering performance of coconut coir fiber-reinforced pervious concrete for perforated breakwater applications by evaluating its mechanical and hydraulic properties.

Method: An experimental study was conducted using coconut coir fiber contents of 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% by weight of coarse aggregate. Concrete specimens (150 × 150 × 150 mm) were cured for 28 days under freshwater and seawater conditions. Compressive strength, porosity, water absorption, and infiltration rate were measured to determine the optimum fiber content.

Results: Increasing the fiber content enhanced porosity, water absorption, and infiltration capacity but reduced compressive strength. The 5% fiber mixture exhibited the most balanced performance, with porosity values of 14.84% in freshwater and 15.35% in seawater while maintaining acceptable mechanical properties for porous concrete.

Conclusion: Coconut coir fiber can improve the hydraulic performance of pervious concrete and represents a sustainable alternative for perforated breakwater design. However, further optimization is required to achieve the compressive strength required for primary coastal protection structures.

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