Palm kernel shell as a lightweight aggregate for concrete

Abstract

These concrete mixes of widely differing water/cement ratios were made using palm kernel shell as course aggregate. The properties tested include the physical properties of the shell, the compressive, flexural and tensile splitting strengths of the concrete. These properties were compared with those of similar concrete specimens made with crushed granite as course aggregate. Results of the tests suggest that palm kernel shell cannot produce concrete with compressive strength above 30 MPa. However, for concrete grade 25 and below, the material was found to compare favourably with other conventional aggregate such as crushed granite.