Mechanical and durability properties of treated oil palm shell lightweight concrete

Abstract

In this research study treated oil palm shells are used as coarse aggregate in producing lightweight concrete to examine the behavior of bond and durability properties. Oil palm shells having high absorption capacity, these are treated with silica-hydrogen compound admixture to minimize the absorption rate. These treated oil palm shells are used in making lightweight concrete. Prepared treated oil palm shell lightweight concrete is examined with non-treated oil palm shell lightweight concrete to examine the mechanical and durability behavior. Bond between the reinforcement and binder is examined by pull out test and the results are compared with non-treated oil palm shell concrete. Durability like permeability, sulphate attack is examined and compared. Laboratory experimental shows the use of treated oil palm shell for making lightweight concrete had better results than the non-treated oil palm shell concrete.