Effect of Coarse Aggregate Sizes and Replacement Levels on the Strength of Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) Concrete
Abstract: The maximum coarse
aggregate size used in concrete can impact on its strength. An investigation of
the effect of coarse aggregate size and replacement level of granite with palm
kernel shell (PKS) on the compressive and tensile strengths of PKS concrete
were investigated. Mix proportion by weight of 1:1½:2 with w/c of 0.50 were
used. All samples were tested at 7 and up to 90 days. Results showed that both
compressive and splitting tensile strengths increased with increase in
aggregate sizes. Both strengths however decreased with increase in replacement
levels of granite with PKS. Optimum replacement level of granite with PKS was
25% with compressive and tensile strengths of 22.97 N/mm2 and 1.89 N/mm2
respectively at maximum coarse aggregate size of 20 mm. However, at 50% PKS
content, which results in lightweight concrete, compressive strength was 18.13
N/mm2 which is above the minimum value of 17 MPa for lightweight concrete.
Keywords: Compressive
strength, maximum aggregate size, palm kernel shell (PKS), PKS concrete,
replacement level, splitting tensile strength
Author: Olusola, K.O.,
Babafemi, A.J
Journal Code: jptsipilgg130011
