Compressive Strength of Concrete with Palm Kernel Shell as a Partial Replacement for Coarse Aggregate

Abstract

Shelter is a basic human need. Unfortunately, decent shelter for the masses; the poor have not materialized over the years. The cost of concrete materials in building and civil engineering project has been a concern to the society. These and other things led to the research on Biological local materials that are dumped as waste in our environment, causing pollution and congestion as substitute materials. Therefore, this research work was carried out in respect to that and the research work was carried out to determine the use of palm kernel shell as a partial replacement for coarse aggregate in concrete taking into consideration the compressive strength and water absorption capacity. The following tests were carried out; visual test, sieve analysis, specific gravity test, slump test, water absorption test and compressive strength test. The result of water absorption and compressive strength shows that the water absorption capacity of palm kernel shell is normal compared to plain concrete and a replacement of 10% and 25% gave 4.78 N/mm2 and 4.44N/mm2 compressive strengths respectively which cannot be used for light weight structure.

Keywords:  palm  shell,  lightweight  aggregate,  lightweight  concrete,  compressive  strength, mechanical properties.