Abstract
This study is based on the use of palm kernel shells as aggregate in the manufacture of concrete. Several (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) substitutions were used in the volume fraction of the aggregates. In order to evaluate the effect of this substitution, the mechanical properties at 7 and 28 days for compression was determine, 28 days for bending and then the physical properties of fresh and hardened concrete are carried out. The results show that 25% replacement of aggregate at 28 days have the compressive stress of the reference concrete (which is about 41 Mpa). At 100% replacement, the resistance becomes very low (about 5.37 Mpa). However with 50% replacement, a reduction of the weight of the concrete is important (around 2000 kg/m3). It can at this level be classified as light weight concrete. Concerning the workability, between 25 and 50% of substitution allows obtaining the class 2 consistency, while between 75 and 100% in class 1, results corroborates the high rate of absorption of shells. Key words: Palm kernel shells, concrete, workability, mechanical properties, physical properties.
Highlights
The palm kernel shells constitute the agricultural residues of the processing of palm nuts, produced in large quantities in Cameroon by the rural and industrial producers (CIRAD, 2014)
The UN (ONU, 2014) in the global urbanization prospects estimates an urbanization of Cameroon of more than 50%. This large urbanization will lead to a growth demand in concrete which remains as everywhere in the world the material most consumed in Cameroon especially in urban areas (Bur, 2012), and by enough in rural areas because of the very low purchasing power
This concrete with 100% palm nut shell gives a density of about 30% less dense than ordinary concrete, (Mannan and Ganapathy 2002) found palm kernel shell concrete 20% less dense than ordinary concrete and (Alengaram et al, 2013) observed 22 to 24% that ordinary concrete
Summary
The palm kernel shells constitute the agricultural residues of the processing of palm nuts, produced in large quantities in Cameroon by the rural and industrial producers (CIRAD, 2014). These shells are found after oil extraction, either released into the wild or burned, contributing to polluting the environment. The UN (ONU, 2014) in the global urbanization prospects estimates an urbanization of Cameroon of more than 50% This large urbanization will lead to a growth demand in concrete which remains as everywhere in the world the material most consumed in Cameroon especially in urban areas (Bur, 2012), and by enough in rural areas because of the very low purchasing power. We will allow on the economic level: Access to local materials for Cameroonian producers, to have a low production cost for Cameroonians; an increase in GNP by creating many
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