Strength characteristics of concrete using coconut shell as a coarse aggregate – A sustainable approach

Abstract

Many researchers have carried out works on use of various agricultural and industrial by-products to enrich the performance and strength characteristics of concrete. The study here reports and captures the use of coconut shell (CS) as partial replacement to coarse aggregate (CA). CS is a naturally available abundant agricultural waste material, which can be used as an alternate to CA. For this research, authors considered M20 grade concrete to investigate the rheological and strength characteristics of concrete incorporating CS as an alternate material for CA in varying percentages like 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%. The study aims to find the optimum dosage of coconut shell that can be replaced partially in concrete to enhance the strength characteristics and to make concrete lightweight by overcoming the disposal challenges of agricultural waste. Total of seven mixes are considered for this investigation to attempt CS a substitute for CA. The rheological properties like slump & compaction factor tests are conducted for fresh properties. Similarly, strength characteristics of concrete like compressive, split tensile and flexural strength tests are performed to measure the structural performance of CS as a CA. Test outcomes of this investigation exhibits that, CS can be replaced up to 20% by weight of CA, without compromising the strength characteristics and rheological properties of concrete. Use of CS as a CA in concrete production not only contributes to performance and strength of concrete but also solves the solid waste disposal problem and helps in conserving natural resources.