Use of coconut shell as partly substitution of coarse aggregate - An experimental analysis

Abstract

Concrete is a premier construction material consisting of natural aggregate. Due to rapid industrialization and constructions in developing country like India, natural resources are depleting constantly. Search of alternative material for making concrete is a prime need in present scenario. Environmental issues; restrictions on local & natural access or sources and dispose of waste material are gaining great importance. Coarse aggregate is a major ingredient for making concrete for various types of construction works, including infrastructure development, low and high-rise buildings and domestic developments. It occupies about 65-80% part of concrete. Coconut Shell is a waste, generated by industrial and agricultural processes, and has created disposal and management problems that pose serious issues of environmental pollution. The waste coconut shell may be utilized to replace natural coarse aggregate. In present study, compressive strength of concrete of M - 20 grades has studied by replacing natural coarse aggregates at 0%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 30%, by weight with coconut shell. Compressive strength of coconut shell concrete has been evaluated on 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The compressive strength of coconut shell concrete was reduced as percentage replacement increased. Concrete mixtures were tested and compared in terms of compressive strength of the conventional concrete. The study result shows that Coconut Shell Concrete (CSC) can be used as light weight concrete. Use of Coconut Shell as a substitute of aggregate will not only is cost effective and eco friendly, but also help to resolve the problem of shortage of conventional material such as coarse aggregate. Use of such materials also reduces the problem of disposal of waste material.