Mechanical Properties and Sustainability of Palm Kernel Shell Powder (PKSP) as a Partial Replacement of Cement

Abstract

This research showed the results of experiments evaluating the use of palm kernel shell powder from palm oil refinery waste production as partial replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Many researchers have studied the use of agro-waste as constituents in concrete but not as a partial replacement of cement specifically. Therefore, the objective of this research is to identify the performance of palm kernel shell powder as partial replacement of cement in the production of concrete. Palm kernel shell powder in various amounts, namely 5%,10%,15% and 20 % by volume was added as a replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). The results showed that palm kernel shell powder concrete greatly improved the workability, compressive and flexural strength of concrete. All of the testing were followed the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The workability of concrete was tested by using slump test to check the consistency of freshly made concrete. For compressive strength, a total of 27 cubes with size 150mm × 150mm × 150mm were used to determine the compressive strength of concrete when replace with 5%, 10%,15% and 20% of palm kernel shell powder as a replacement of cement in concrete. The results showed that palm kernel shell powder concrete greatly improved the compressive and flexural strength of concrete. The rate of water absorption of palm kernel shell powder reduced as palm kernel shell powder filled up the existing voids while making it impermeable. However, the compressive strength of the palm kernel shell powder decreases gradually when the amount increased. It can be concluded that the optimum amount of palm kernel shell powder as partial cement replacement is 15%. In the correction, an experimental investigation of ultrasonic pulse velocity(UPV), carbonation test and rebound hammer test was undertaken to palm kernel shell powder and admixtures as partial replacement cement in concrete.