Size Variation of Palm Kernel Shells as Replacement of Coarse Aggregate for Lightweight Concrete Production

Abstract

The utilization of palm kernel shells (PKS) as an alternative to conventional materials for construction is desirable to promote sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to investigate the properties of lightweight concrete produced with different sizes of PKS of 6, 8, 10, 12 mm and mix (consisting of 25% each of the four sizes). RPK sizes were used to replace coarse aggregate in the concrete and cured for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The tests performed on the concrete are dry density, compressive strength, flexural strength, EDS and SEM. It was revealed that the densities of the concrete specimens were all less than 2000 kg/m 3 , which implies that the PKS concrete satisfied the requirement of lightweight concrete for structural application. The compressive strength of the 12 mm PKS concrete specimens at 28-day of curing was 10.2 MPa which was 4% to 15.9% better than the other PKS sizes concrete. The flexural strength of the 12 mm PKS concrete specimens at 28-day of curing was 2.85 MPa which was also 3.2% to 57.07% better than the other PKS sizes concrete. It was also revealed by the SEM analysis that there was a good bond between the palm kernel shells and the mortar. A high calcium-silicate content was found in the concrete which resulted in a Ca/Si ratio of 1.26 and Al/Si ratio of 0.11. The study therefore concludes that size variations of PKS as replacement of coarse aggregate have an influence on the properties of the lightweight concrete and recommends 12 mm PKS for use by construction practitioners for lightweight concrete structural application.

Recycling of Oil Palm Shell as Aggregate in Concrete: A Review

“…The findings from previous studies the compressive strength of concrete accommodating OPS as coarse aggregate is usually less than NWC due to less density and bending force. The strength of concrete is directly proportional to the aggregate strength, stiffness and density and inversely proportional to the porosity of aggregates [38][39]. Addition of OPS generally caused a decrease in compressive strength of concrete [37].…”

Influence of Palm Kernel Shell on Mechanical Properties on The Achievement of Kernelrazzo Concrete Floor Finish Production

“…Different-sized palm kernel shells were assembled from the location where palm oil was produced and processed. The thickness of the palm kernel shell (PKS) varies depending on the species at 6, 8, or 12 mm [38], and the size of the palm kernel shell relies on how the nut is cracked or divided. These density patterns show that palm kernel shells weigh about 60% less than typical coarse materials [39][40][41][42].…”