Influence of Selected Curing Techniques on Compressive Strength of Concrete From Palm Kernel Shell Ash and Ordinary Portland Cement

Abstract

This paper discusses the findings of an experimental study on the effect of various curing procedures on the compressive strength of concrete produced by partially substituting portland cement with Palm Kernel Shell Ash (PKSA). Palm kernel shell ash was utilized in a 1:2:4 mix ratio as a partial substitute for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) at percentage levels of 0%, 10%, and 15%. River sand with particles passing a 4.75 mm BS sieve was used, as well as crushed aggregate with a maximum size of 20 mm, and palm kernel shell ash with particles passing a 212 μm sieve. The compressive strength of the test cubes (150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm) was determined after 7, 28, and 56 days of curing. The results demonstrated that test cubes containing Palm kernel shell ash developed strength over a longer curing period than ordinary Portland cement concrete samples and that the strength changes depending on the amount of PKSA in the cube samples. The findings showed that at 28 days, test cubes with 5%, 10%, and 15% PKSA content in all curing procedures utilized obtained a greater compressive strength. Curing by immersion produced the highest compressive strength in all replacement level while the concrete cured by sprinkling and spraying gives a lower strength in all replacement leve