Heat of Hydration and Alkali- Silicate Reaction in Oil Palm Shell Structural Lightweight Concrete

Abstract

In this study oil palm shells (OPS) are used as coarse and fine aggregate in making of light weight concrete. OPS are used as aggregate by many researchers but using them as both coarse and fine aggregate in concrete. Concrete with OPS as fine and coarse aggregate are examined for alkali-silicate reaction using concrete motor bar test and concrete prism test. Heat of hydration in lightweight concrete is evaluated with coffee cup calorimeter test. Water absorption test shows OPS has water absorption rate of 20–24% which is very high which helps in internal curing of concrete to takes place which may change the heat of hydration in period of time. Expansion property of mortar or coarse aggregate concrete can be found in mortar bar test and prism bar test. This test reveals the expansion of mortar bar and prism bar is within the permissible limit. Heat of hydration in conventional concrete and OPS lightweight concrete showed the 10–15% time difference in setting time of concrete, difference in heat evolved during OPS lightweight concrete heat of hydration process is 18–22% less than conventional concrete.