Palm-Kernel Shell Concrete For Structural Use – A Preliminary Investigation

The paper reports on the results of an investigation into the physical and strength characteristics of concrete (norminal mixes), which contains crushed palm-kernel shell as fine aggregates instead of normal river sand. 66 No beams of 100mm x 100mm x 500mm sizes and 396 No 100mm cubes as well were tested with varying mix ratio, palm-kernel/normal sand ratio and curing periods. The percentage content of palm-kernel shell in the aggregate varied from 0 to 100% in steps of 10%. The result of the investigation with mix 2:3:6 at 28 days gives 33N/mm 2 at 10% palm-kernel and 16N/mm 2 at 100% palm-kernel shell content, indicating that strength decreased with increase in palm-kernel content. Also, the strength characteristics of 100% palm-kernel shell concrete are found to be 16N/mm 2 , 7N/mm 2 , and 6N/mm 2 for 2:3:6, 1:2:4 and 1:3:6 mixes respectively implying that palm-kernel shell may be considered wholly or as partial replacement of river sand in concrete for non-load-bearing structural elements. KEY WORDS: Slump, density. Gradation, compression, and flexure. Global Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol.4(1) 2005: 87-91