Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Incorporating Palm Ash and Seawater for Coastal Applications

With the rising global demands to lower CO2 emissions and excessive depletion of natural resources, the construction sector is rapidly adopting alternatives like glass fiber reinforced concrete, especially in corrosion-prone coastal environments. This study develops a sustainable glass fiber reinforced mix using 10-20% cement replacement with waste palm ash (PA) and mixed with seawater. Results showed that 10% PA replacement achieved 96.5% compressive strength of a control mix while reducing shrinkage by 50% and improving carbonation resistance. This optimal mix demonstrated low water absorption, despite reduced workability with increasing PA content. These findings validate PA as an effective cement substitute, particularly valuable for Oman where palm waste is abundant but underutilized, while demonstrating seawater’s viability as an alternative to freshwater, addressing the critical water scarcity challenges in arid coastal regions.