Effect of Replacement of Sand With Granite Fines on the Compressive and Tensile Strengths of Palm Kernel Shell Concrete (PKSC)

Abstract

Lately, research works are being focused on using renewable agricultural waste resources as construction materials. This is to ensure sustainability and to reduce the cost of construction. Palm kernel shell concrete (PKSC) is concrete containing cement, sand, and palm kernel shells wholly or partially as a coarse aggregate. This paper, therefore, presents the results of an experimental laboratory investigation carried on PKSC by incorporating varying percentages of granite fines to replace sand in steps of 20% to study its effect on the compressive and tensile strength of PKSC. A mix proportion of 1:1.77:0.77 was used with a w/c = 0.50. Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) was added as an accelerator. Results of the 28-day strength test using 100 mm cubes and 150 × 300 mm cylinders revealed that the compressive and tensile splitting strengths increased with curing age and with an increase in the percent granite fines content. Maximum compressive and tensile splitting strengths were obtained for PKSC containing 100% granite fines. Tensile strength obtained falls within the range of values (1.24-1.90 N/mm2) given for grade 30 concrete.