PROPERTIES OF FIBER CEMENT BOARD FOR BUILDING PARTITIONS

ABSTRACT

The use of natural ingredients in the production of concrete has become prevalent in recent times in the quest for finding new ingredients which can serve adequately in the production of construction materials that are sustainable, environmental friendly and cost effective. In this project, coconut fibers are used to replace cement in different percentages to produce fiber cement boards which are of lightweight for building partitioning. Also its durability, sustainability and economy are other properties to be watched out for in this project. Coconut fibers were used to replace cement in percentages of 5%, 10%, 15% to produce fiber cement boards. A design mix ratio of 3:1(cement: sand) was used. A constant cement water ratio of 0.46 was taken. Samples of size 150x150x10mm were tested for density and water absorption. Samples of size 250x250x250mm were used for determining the drilling characteristics of the board while samples of 70x70x70mm were tested for compressive strength of the constituent. The samples were analysed after 28 days of curing. The result after analyses shows that the decreases from 1795kgf/m3 for 0% fiber content to 1484kgf/m3 for 15% fiber content. The water absorption of the samples increases with increase in fiber content from 9.3% for 0% fiber content and 15.38% for 15% fiber content. Samples with 10% and 15% Fiber content displayed good drilling characteristics. In conclusion, increase in fiber content reduces the weight of the board but should be kept at a percentage where other properties are also in good form. Generally, Fiber cement board poses a great advantage over gypsum board and calcium silicate board.