Influence of curing Media on the Compressive strength of Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) concrete

The influence of curing media on the compressive strength of palm kernel shell concrete with varying coarse aggregate sizes (5-10 mm, 5-14 mm and 5-20 mm) and replacement level of granite with palm kernel shell (0- 100 % in steps of 25 %) were investigated in this study. The results showed that the compressive strength was significantly influenced by the curing media. Compressive strength of palm kernel shell concrete decreased from curing media CM-1 to CM-3 (CM-1: complete immersion; CM-2: partial immersion; CM-3: no immersion) with increase in percentage replacement of granite with palm kernel shell from 0 % (control) to 100 % in steps of 25 %. However, compressive strength increased from curing media CM-1 to CM-3 with increase in coarse aggregate sizes. The ANOVA showed that the curing medium had significant effect on the compressive strength. The Duncan’s multiple range tests revealed that the mean compressive strengths at different aggregate sizes, replacement levels and curing media were significantly different