ISSN 2319-5347, ISI Impact Factor: 0.763

VOLUME 06 NO. 02 JULY 2017:

Title:         Strength and Physical Characteristics of Concrete having Coconut Shells as a Replacement of Coarse Aggregates
Authors:     Syed Azmat Ali Shah, Ishtiaq Alam, Hazrat Omer, Mushtaq Ahmad Jan
Abstract:    Concrete is the principal construction material across the globe. The higher costs of conventional building materials are the main hindrances in its use and affecting housing delivery in developing countries like Pakistan. As a result, it became the need of time to search for alternative materials of construction. This research shows the results of investigations carried out on the strength and characteristics of concrete created using crushed coconut shells as replacements for conventional coarse aggregate in ratio of 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% in mix ratio of 1:2:4. A total of 36 cylinders (size 6 inches diameter, 12 inches height) along with 4 beams (size 6x6x18 inches) were cast, tested and their physical and mechanical properties were determined. In the results, the compressive strength and flexural strength test showed that strength of the concrete decreased as the percentage of the shells increased. However, concrete obtained from coconut shells is about 60% lighter than conventional coarse aggregate. It is, however, concluded from this study that the Coconut Shells are more suitable as low strength-giving lightweight aggregate when used to replace common coarse aggregate in concrete production. It is also concluded that the coconut shell in concrete produce a harsher mix.

Keywords: Coconut Shells, Aggregates, Concrete, Compressive Strength, Flexural Strength
Pages:       91-95

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