The Effects of Oil Palm Shell Volume Fractions on Thermal Conductivity for Insulation Concrete

Abstract

Industrial waste has been considered as an option in the initiative to promote green and sustainable construction. Oil palm shell (OPS) is one of the industrial wastes produced from the processing of palm oil and its ability to be used as a lightweight aggregate in concrete mixes has been tested. OPS has a high porosity content, which means that it is a good heat insulation material in concrete. This study focuses on the OPS volume fraction in concrete and its effects on the thermal insulation concrete. The volume fractions used are 30, 32, 34, 36, and 38 % from concrete density. Density decreases with the increase of volume fraction. The highest reduction from air dry to oven density is 13 %, which is obtained from a volume fraction of 34 % OPS. The volume fraction affected compressive strength and thermal conductivity. All mixes achieved for the requirement for load-bearing strength based on compressive strength were obtained. The highest strength was 22 Mpa by volume fraction, 30 % used. Volume fractions used are within the range of the semi-structure which has the same capacity as thermal insulation materials, below 0.75 W/m K (according to RILEM requirements) except for the volume fraction, 30 %. The thermal properties increased according to the increase in density except for the specific heat result, and they have a strong relationship within the thermal conductivity and compressive strength results. Thus the OPS lightweight concrete (OPSLC) capacity as a heat insulation material is proven and it can reduce energy use in buildings.