Investigation on the Effects of Coconut Shell Ash and Husk Fiber as Filler Materials on the Mechanical Properties of Asphalt Concrete
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsis.V1.I1.50Keywords:
Asphalt Concrete, Coconut Husk Fiber (CHF), Coconut Shell Ash (CSA), Coconut Waste, Mechanical Properties, Sustainable Asphalt, Sustainable PavementAbstract
This experimental study investigated the potential of Coconut Shell Ash (CSA) and Coconut Husk Fiber (CHF) as sustainable alternative materials for asphalt concrete, addressing the productive utilization of abundant coconut wastes in the Philippines. Guided by the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model, seventeen asphalt mixtures with varying proportions of CSA and CHF were prepared and compared with conventional asphalt. Their performance was evaluated through aggregate gradation, water absorption, Marshall Stability, Flow and Wheel Tracking tests, with descriptive statistics, Two-Way ANOVA, correlation analysis, and related statistical procedures used to assess the results. The findings showed that CSA and CHF could be incorporated into asphalt mixtures without compromising essential engineering properties. CSA demonstrated a significant influence on water absorption, mechanical properties, and rutting resistance, whereas CHF showed no significant standalone effect on several measured properties. Higher CSA concentrations generally improved moisture and rutting resistance, while the combination of 5% CSA and 5% CHF provided the most balanced modified-mixture performance in terms of strength, deformation, resistance, and durability. The study concluded that coconut-derived agricultural waste has potential as a sustainable alternative material for asphalt pavement and recommended further investigation of higher CSA proportions, other locally available waste ashes, appropriate aggregate gradation, material processing, and silica content. The study supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by linking agricultural waste utilization with sustainable pavement development. Its sustainability impact is primarily environmental and infrastructure-related, with socio-economic relevance through the productive use of coconut byproducts and the development of alternative road construction materials.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Nahum L. Bravo, MEng, RCE, Jierelle Ann Dajonan (Author)
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