Destructive and Non-Destructive Properties of OPS (Oil Palm Shell) Lightweight Concrete

Abstract

The compressive strength as destructive test and, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and dynamic modulus of elasticity (E_d) as non-destructive tests have been carried out on a new lightweight concrete produced using oil palm shell (OPS) as coarse aggregate, as a way to establish the usefulness of these tests to determine the strength of OPS concrete. To investigate the effect of moisture content in concrete on compressive strength, UPV and E_d, four types of curing have been employed and the results are discussed. OPS aggregates yield lightweight concrete and the lesser density of concrete influences the results of the tests. The tests also have been conducted on specimens after exposure to high temperatures to determine the residual strength properties. Similarly the results are reported from the tests on specimens exposed to environment with high sulphate content. It is observed that for OPS concrete, UPV tests predict the compressive strength accurately. OPS concrete has attained the highest values in UPV, E_d and compressive strength under full water curing condition compared with other types of curing.


Journal of Civil Engineering Research and Practice Vol.1(2)
2004: 55-66