Mechanical strength, shrinkage, and porosity of mortar reinforced with areca nut husk fibers

•Areca nut husk fiber (AHF) has been added as reinforcement in cement-based mortar.•Workability, mechanical strength, shrinkage, and porosity of mortar were investigated.•Including AHF in mortar mixes enhanced the mechanical strength, mitigated shrinkage, and increased the porosity of mortar mixes.•Reinforcement of AHF withstands the crack propagation and shows gradual failure.•0.5% AHF is recommended for the production of cement-based mortar.