PRODUCTION OF LIGHT WEIGHT CONCRETE BY PARTIALLY REPLACING FINE AGGREGATE WITH CRUSHED PALM KERNEL SHELL

Abstract

The suitability of palm kernel shell as a partial replacement of fine aggregate inconcrete was researched to verify if concrete made with palm kernel shells meetsome minimum standard prescribed for strength and density. Based on Britishstandard classification of fine aggregate as aggregates passing the number 4sieve of 4.75mm size or slightly higher sizes depending on local requirement,crushed palm kernel shells of particle diameter not greater than 5.0mm was usedto replace river sand as fine aggregate in the following percentages: 0%, 10%,20%, and 30%. For each mix proportion, three concrete cubes were cast andtested for compressive strength and density at 7, 14 and 28 days curing duration.The specific gravity of all the concrete ingredients were determined and used inpreparing the concrete mix proportion. Sieve analysis of the different materialswas also carried out in order to grade the fine aggregates used for the researchas well as to determine their fineness modulus. The crushed palm kernel shellused was obtained by grinding palm kernel shells into fine sizes using grains’grinding machine. Afterwards, it was sieved through 5mm sieve and use for theresearch. Mix ratio of 1:2:4 was adopted with water-cement ratio of 0.60. Theproject in conclusion was a success as it took into consideration the economicstatus quo of the population. This paper is to create awareness about theusefulness of palm kernel shell as a construction material in the constructionenvironment.