Feasibility study on utilization of coconut shell aggregates in concrete

Abstract

Several materials are being used in concrete as a replacement to coarse aggregates. The present study focuses on experimenting with using Coconut Shell Aggregates (CSA) as replacement to coarse aggregates partially. The high strength and modulus of the coconut shell make it a suitable coarse aggregate for concrete applications. The replacement levels were set at 10%, 15%, and 20%. The experimental results revealed that CSA, when replaced with conventional coarse aggregates, gave satisfactory compressive strength up to 15% replacement, beyond which the strength dropped below the required value. In addition, the use of CSA in concrete significantly reduces the self-weight of concrete, thus contributing to the economy of construction.