Lightweight Concrete Elements from Burnt Palm Nut Shells

This paper investigates the characteristiCS . technology and the use of burnt palm ke.r nel shells as a replacement for aggregates 1n light weight concrete The need to find ' alternative sources to imported and expens1ve building matenals for construction led to the investigation of Qurnt palm kernel shells as a poss11;>1e substitute for some aggregates. Investigation into the physical and structural charactenSttcs of the burnt palm k.ernel shells was conducted. The paper was used concrete mi.x 1 :2:4 design. Different tests were also performed on the wet and cured light weight concrete prepared by replacing 0%. 10% and 25% of the fine and coarse aggregates with the shells burnt to 1 00°C. 300°C, 500°C and thos€ shells burnt in the open air. The result indicated that compressive strength of concrete with burnt shells was lower than that of concrete with unburnt shells at the same percentage replacement. The compressive and tensile strength were found to be decreasing with temperature increase of the burnt shells up to 300°C but picked up tremendously with shells burnt to 500°C The result showed that burnt palm kernel shells is a viable substitute for aggregates for light weight concrete in floors. partitions. insulated panels and lawn tennis concrete floor