Study for the relevance of coconut shell aggregate concrete paver blocks

Abstract

Abstract In this study, coconut shell aggregate concrete paver blocks were produced and tested for the parameters suggested in IS 15658: 2006. The conventional mix practiced in the field was adopted for the production of coconut shell aggregate concrete paver blocks. For comparison purposes, conventional aggregate concrete paver blocks were produced and tested in parallel. Test parameters such as workability of mixes, density of mixes, dimensions of paver blocks such as length, breadth, thickness and aspect ratio, compressive strength, water absorption, and abrasion resistance results were discussed and presented. Totally 86 paver blocks were produced, 43 paver blocks using conventional concrete mix and 43 paver blocks using coconut shell aggregate concrete mix respectively. As suggested in IS 15658: 2006, 8 paver blocks were randomly selected at each ages (3 days, 7 days, 14 days and 28 days for compressive strength) and tested for each parameter studies except for water absorption for which 3 paver blocks were used. Test results and performance of coconut shell aggregate concrete paver blocks encourage the use of coconut shell as an aggregate for the replacement of conventional aggregate in paver blocks production.