Abstract :
Continuous increase in the cost of construction is one of the major problems that hindered shelter in many countries; this is the reason why many researches have been focused on how to make use of agricultural wastes which are abundantly available and in cheap supply. In this study, a concrete mix of 25 grade (1:2:4) used with 0.5 water/cement ratio, while Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) shell and corn cob were used to replace coarse aggregate by volume. A total number 80 cubes were produced and allowed for curing, workability (slump), density and compressive were evaluated at 7 days, 14 days, 21 days and 28 days. The density and compressive strength of concrete reduced as the percentage replacement increases. Concrete produced by 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% replacement of Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) shell attained 28-days compressive strength of 29.34N/mm2, 19.23N/mm2 16 56N/mm2, 4.11Nmm2 and 3.89Nmm2respectively, while with corresponding concrete produced with 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% replacement of Corn Cob attained 28 days compressive strength of 8.45N/mm2, 4.45N/mm2, 3.67N/mm2 and 3.00Nmm2. A potential exists for the use of Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) shell as replacement of conventional aggregate in both conventional concrete and lightweight concrete construction. It was concluded that Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) shell can partially be used to replace coarse aggregate (granite) in production of lightweight concrete where it is abundantly available and can be recommended as an alternative material (partial replacement) to coarse aggregate.
Keyword :
concrete, Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) shell, corn cob, density, compressive strength, lightweight concrete