The global construction industry faces an urgent imperative to adopt sustainable practices, driven by environmental concerns and the demand for resource-efficient building materials. Foam concrete, known for its lightweight and insulating properties, offers a promising solution, yet often suffers from limitations in mechanical strength. This article presents a comprehensive investigation into the development of sustainable foam concrete by modifying its matrix with fly ash and reinforcing it with natural coconut fibers. The study combines material characterization, mix design optimization, and extensive testing of fresh and hardened properties. Our findings demonstrate that the incorporation of fly ash significantly enhances the concrete's density and compressive strength, while coconut fibers effectively improve its flexural and splitting tensile strength, addressing its inherent brittleness. The synergistic combination results in an eco-friendly lightweight concrete with superior physical and mechanical characteristics, promoting the valorization of industrial by-products and agricultural waste. This research provides a viable pathway for producing high-performance, sustainable construction materials, contributing to reduced carbon footprint and enhanced resource efficiency in the built environment.

Sustainable foam concrete, fly ash, coconut fiber

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