Models to predict the fresh and hardened properties of palm kernel shell concrete

Abstract

Concrete is an assemblage of Cement, aggregates and water, the most frequently used fine aggregate for concrete production is sand sourced from river banks. The continuous exploitation of available granite conventionally used as coarse aggregate in concrete production coupled with rapid infrastructural development has resulted in its scarcity and often high cost. The suitability of utilising Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) as partial replacement for coarse aggregate in concrete production was examined in this paper. Preliminary tests were conducted on all aggregates to determine their suitability for concrete production. Concrete with 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% PKS-coarse aggregate content was cast with a mix ratio of 1:2:4. The freshly prepared Palm Kernel Shell Concrete (PKSC) was cast in moulds measuring 150 x 150 x 150mm and cured using ponding method. The Compressive strength result shows that an increase in the PKS content results in a decrease in compressive strength of concrete. Linear regression models for the slump and compressive strength of the PKSC were developed and found to be sufficient in predicting the compressive strengths with R2 values of 96% and 92 % respectively.