Journal of Applied Sciences
1812-5654
1812-5662
Asian Network for Scientific Information
10.3923/jas.2008.3207.3213
Alengaram
U.J.
Jumaat
M.Z.
Mahmud
H.
12
2008
8
18
This study reports the effect of cementitious materials,
fine and coarse aggregates content on workability and compressive strength
of palm kernel shell concrete. Palm kernel shells a by product of the
production of palm oil, were used as lightweight aggregates. The following
cementitious materials were added: 10% silica fume as additional cementitious
material and 5% fly ash as cement replacement on weight of cement. The
influence of varying fine aggregate and palm kernel shell contents on
workability and compressive strength has been studied. The specimens have
been cured under three different curing environments to study the effect
on compressive strength. The effect of cementitious materials and curing
conditions on compressive strength for a period of 90 days was analyzed.
The fresh density of concrete was found to be in the range of 1810 to
1940 kg m-3. The strength of Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) was found
to be the primary factor controlling the strength. However, the addition
of silica fume was found to have influence on compressive strength. An
increase in fine aggregate content and subsequent decrease in PKS content
had positive effect on both workability and compressive strength. The
28 day compressive strengths of the mixes containing cementitious materials
were found in the range of 26 to 36 MPa. The difference in strength between
water cured and specimens cured under controlled environment was found
to vary between 3 and 5%.]]>