Optimization of Coconut Fiber and Styrofoam Composition in Concrete to Improve Strength and Sound Absorption

Authors

  • Purwanto Universitas Semarang Indonesia
  • Ferry Firmawan Universitas Semarang Indonesia
  • Fahrudin Ahmad Universitas Semarang Indonesia
  • Hani Purwanti Universitas Semarang Indonesia
  • Aimmatul Husna Universitas Semarang Indonesia
  • Nadirah Darus Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Malaysia
  • Zaiton Haron Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Malaysia
  • Khairulzan Yahya Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26877/asset.v8i2.2752

Keywords:

expanded polystyrene (EPS), response surface methodology (RSM), desirability function, coir fibre, lightweight concrete, impedance tube

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of coconut husk and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) composition on the mechanical and acoustic properties of lightweight concrete. The research was conducted experimentally using a two-way factorial design with coconut husk variations of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% of cement weight and EPS variations of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of coarse aggregate volume. A total of 20 mix variations (5 coir levels × 4 EPS levels) were prepared with three replications for each test, resulting in 120 specimens. Compressive strength was tested at 7 days following ASTM C39, while sound absorption was measured at frequencies of 100–2000 Hz based on ISO 10534-2. The results showed that the addition of coconut husk up to 1% improved compressive strength through fibre reinforcement, whereas increasing EPS content enhanced sound absorption due to higher porosity but reduced mechanical strength. Statistical analysis using ANOVA (R² = 0.94, p < 0.05) and desirability optimisation identified the optimal composition at 1% coconut husk and 10% EPS. The developed lightweight concrete is suitable for non-structural building components requiring improved acoustic performance and reduced weight.

Author Biographies

  • Purwanto, Universitas Semarang

    Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Semarang, Jl. Soekarno Hatta Semarang 50196, Central Java, Indonesia

  • Ferry Firmawan, Universitas Semarang

    Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Semarang, Jl. Soekarno Hatta Semarang 50196, Central Java, Indonesia

  • Fahrudin Ahmad, Universitas Semarang

    Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Semarang, Jl. Soekarno Hatta Semarang 50196, Central Java, Indonesia

  • Hani Purwanti, Universitas Semarang

    Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Semarang, Jl. Soekarno Hatta Semarang 50196, Central Java, Indonesia

  • Aimmatul Husna, Universitas Semarang

    Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Semarang, Jl. Soekarno Hatta Semarang 50196, Central Java, Indonesia

  • Nadirah Darus, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

    Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jl Imam, 81310 Skudai, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia

  • Zaiton Haron, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

    Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jl Imam, 81310 Skudai, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia

  • Khairulzan Yahya, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

    Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jl Imam, 81310 Skudai, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia

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2026-03-17

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