Performance of coconut shell ash and palm kernel shell ash as partial replacement for cement in concrete

Abstract

High cost of cement used as binder in the production of concrete has led to a search for alternative. Using a mix design ratio of 1:2:4 and water binder ratio of 0.63, concrete cubes were casted using varying ordinary Portland cement (OPC): palm kernel shell ash (PKSA) and ordinary Portland cement (OPC): coconut shell ash (CSA) ratios of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 , 60:40 and 50:50 respectively. This research reveal that partial replacement of cement with 20% PKSA and CSA in concrete gives an average optimum compressive strength of 15.4 N/mm2 and 17.26 N/mm2 respectively at 28 days. While the optimum value of compressive strength obtained at 28 days is 20.58 N/mm2 at 10% replacement with CSA. The value obtained is suitable for both light weight and heavy weight concrete respectively. Thus, the research shows that the use of PKSA and CSA as a partial replacement for cement in concrete, at lower volume of replacement, will enhance the reduction of cement usage in concretes, thereby reducing the production cost and the environmental pollution caused by the dumping of the agricultural waste.