Abstract: This study investigated the effects of full/partial replacement of crushed granite with palm kernel shells (PKS) on the compressive strength, density and workability of super plasticized concrete. Concrete samples were prepared using a nominal volume mix ratio of 1:1.5:3 at a water/cement ratio of 0.6. Coarse aggregate was partially replaced with clean Palm Kernel shells from 0% to 100% at intervals of 25% while Conplast SP 430, a high range water reducer was added to each mix at 0%, 1% and 2% of cementitious material. 100mm×100mm×100mm concrete cubes were produced and compressive strength determined in accordance with ASTM guidelines at 7days, 14days, and 28days. Also the slump and density values were also determined. The results showed that an increase in PKS yields a corresponding decrease in compressive strength, density and workability of concrete. For each mix, addition of super plasticizer resulted in considerable improvements in measured parameters except for compressive strength where improvement was marginal for the dosage administered. Optimum super plasticizer content was observed to be at 1%. Contents above this resulted in marginal improvements only. At 75% replacement, compressive strength and other parameters were observed to be adequate for lightweight concrete production with an average value of over 17kN/m2 at 28 days and good slump and density values. There is need to standardize the use of PKS as constituent material for light weight concrete production.
Keywords: Concrete, Super plasticizer, Palm Kernel Shell (PKS), Compressive Strength, Workability.
Title: An Investigation of the Compressive Strength of Super Plasticized Palm Kernel Shell Concrete
Author: Okon, Anietie Edet, Udoh, Ndifreke Edem, Umoh, Ini Christopher
International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering Research
ISSN 2348-7607 (Online)
Research Publish Journals
