Characteristics of concrete produced with periwinkle and palm kernel shells as aggregates

Abstract

We assess the suitability of palm kernel shell (PKS) and periwinkle shell (PS) as partial or full replacement of fine and coarse aggregates respectively, in concrete production. First, the physical properties of PKS and PS were determined. Then concrete was produced using varying percentage replacements of 0%, 25%, 50% and 100% of fine and coarse aggregates, with PKS and PS respectively. The samples were cured for 7, 14, and 28 days. Tests to determine its compressive strength, tensile strength, abrasion resistance and water absorption capacity we conducted. Results showed that the compressive strength and tensile strength of the samples with 25% of its aggregate replaced with PKS and PS are very close to the values of the control samples but there was huge difference when the samples of 50% and 100% replacement were compared with the control sample. However the concrete samples produced with 50% and 100% replacement levels, showed more resistance to abrasion when compared with the control sample. It was concluded that the compressive strength of concrete produced with partial or full replacement of fine and coarse aggregates with PKS and PS, has inverse relationship with the quantity of PKS and PS. It is recommended that maximum of 25% replacement level of PKS and PS as fine and coarse aggregates respectively can be used in concrete production.

Keywords: Aggregates, Concrete, Palm Kernel, Periwinkle, Properties, Shell