Compressive Strength Behavior of Concrete Using Coconut Shell as a Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregate

Abstract

The high cost of conventional building materials is a major factor affecting housing delivery in the world. This has necessitated research into alternative materials of construction. In this study, coconut shell is used as light aggregate in concrete. The properties of coconut shell and coconut shell aggregate concrete is examined and the use of coconut shell aggregate in construction is tested. The project paper aims at analyzing flexural and compressive strength characteristics of with partial replacement using M20 grade concrete. The project also aims to show that Coconut shell aggregate is a potential construction material and simultaneously reduce the environment problem of solid. Cylinder is casted, tested and their physical and mechanical properties are determined. The main objective is to encourage the use of these ‘seemingly’ waste products as construction materials in low-cost housing. Another aim is to reduce the cost of new construction work and reduce solid waste by reusing the coconut waste. Coconut shell Aggregate (CSA) is a viable alternative to natural aggregate which helps in the preservation of the environment. Coconut shell aggregate was made by crushing the waste of coconut. Two types of concrete mixtures were tested: concrete made entirely with natural aggregate (NAC) as a control concrete and one type of concrete made with coconut shell coarse aggregate (0%, 4%, 8% and 12% replacement of coarse coconut shell aggregate). Thirty six (36) specimens were made for the testing of the basic properties of hardened concrete. To determine the compressive strength of the concrete, cylinders were tested in SU lab by destructing the cylinders with the help of Universal Testing Machine (UTM). From the analytical results, we got the highest average compressive strength for 4% of demolished coconut shell waste as coarse aggregate in the concrete cylinder Compared with fresh coarse aggregate concrete. But when increased the percentage of coconut shell of coarse aggregate the strength was decreased. And it also shows that the compressive strength of specimens is maximum after 28 days curing compared with 7 & 14 days