Determination Of The Compressive Strength Of Palm Kernel Shell Concrete

ABSTRACT 

This study is on the determination of the Compressive Strength of Palm Kernel Shell Concrete. The effect of percentage replacements (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) of crushed granite with palm kernel shell on density and compressive strength of concrete is presented. Concrete cube specimens of mix 1:2:4 were prepared with water-cement ratio of 0.6. The cubes (150mm×150mm×150mm) were cured using water-submerged curing until testing ages of 7, 14, 21 and 28 days when their densities and compressive strengths were determined.The 28day compressive strength ranged from 12.71 to 16.63N/mm2, whereas the density ranged between 1562 to 2042 kg/m3.. A replacement of 25 and 50% of Crushed Granite with palm kernel shell resulted in a cost reduction of 5.69% and 11.37% respectively. Tests conducted include sieve analysis, bulk density, and specific gravity to characterize aggregates. The Specific gravities of Sharp Sand, Crushed Granite and Palm Kernel Shell were found to be  2.5, 2.76 and 1.301 while their bulk densities were 1650, 1545 and 634 kg/m3 respectively. Water absorption capacities of crushed granite in 1 and 24hrs was 6% while palm kernel shell was found to be 11% in 1hr and 21.5% in 24hrs.Compressive strength decreased as well as density with percentage increase in palm kernel shell content. Curing is very important for the strength development of concrete. In general, Crushed Granite could be replaced in concrete with Palm Kernel Shell up to 25%.Palm kernel shell being a lightweight aggregate could be used for structural lightweight concrete production for small load bearing farm structures.Reduced cost of construction arising from the use of locally available agricultural waste materials such as palm kernel shell will reduce pollution associated with the waste disposal and enhance infrastructural development as well. 

Keywords: Compressive Strength, lightweight aggregate, Palm kernel shell, percentage replacements and Curing