EVALUATION OF THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF COCONUT SHELL CONCRETE
Faculty
Department
Year of Publication
Keyword
upload
Publication Type
Abstract
This study evaluated the compressive strength of coconut shell concrete for concrete construction by partially replacing coarse aggregate with crushed coconut shells at varying levels (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). The primary aim was to determine the optimum replacement percentage that delivers satisfactory mechanical performance including compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength while promoting sustainability and reducing concrete weight. This investigation is driven by the need to recycle agricultural waste and improve the environmental footprint of conventional concrete in harsh service conditions. A series of experiments were conducted on concrete mixes with replacement levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight, prepared with a constant water-to-cement ratio of 0.48. Fresh concrete workability was assessed using slump tests, which indicated a reduction in
slump as the percentage of coconut shell replacement increased. Hardened concrete specimens were cast in cube form and cured for 7, 14, and 28 days. Compressive strength tests were then carried out using a universal compression testing machine with a 2000 kN capacity. The failure load of each cube was recorded, and compressive strength was calculated using the formula: Strength = (Maximum Load)/(Cross-sectional Area). The results show that the control mix (0% replacement) achieved average compressive strengths of 21.09 N/mm² at 7 days, 23.90 N/mm² at 14 days, and 30.51 N/mm² at 28 days. Although increasing coconut shell content resulted in higher water absorption and a slight reduction in workability, the mix with 5% replacement maintained compressive strength values closest to the control, while meeting the target design characteristic strength (approximately 20 N/mm²). These findings indicate that a 5% replacement level provides the optimal balance between sustainability and mechanical performance, making coconut shell concrete a viable alternative for concrete applications.
slump as the percentage of coconut shell replacement increased. Hardened concrete specimens were cast in cube form and cured for 7, 14, and 28 days. Compressive strength tests were then carried out using a universal compression testing machine with a 2000 kN capacity. The failure load of each cube was recorded, and compressive strength was calculated using the formula: Strength = (Maximum Load)/(Cross-sectional Area). The results show that the control mix (0% replacement) achieved average compressive strengths of 21.09 N/mm² at 7 days, 23.90 N/mm² at 14 days, and 30.51 N/mm² at 28 days. Although increasing coconut shell content resulted in higher water absorption and a slight reduction in workability, the mix with 5% replacement maintained compressive strength values closest to the control, while meeting the target design characteristic strength (approximately 20 N/mm²). These findings indicate that a 5% replacement level provides the optimal balance between sustainability and mechanical performance, making coconut shell concrete a viable alternative for concrete applications.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor