Mechanical Properties, Durability and Microstructure of Palm Kernel Shell Concrete Produced from Different Grades of Portland Limestone Cement

The need for lightweight structures and to reduce environmental waste which leads to pollution has necessitated the utilization of agro-based materials as aggregates for concrete. Notable among these wastes is the Palm Kernel Shell (PKS). This study investigated the compressive and tensile strength, durability and internal structure of PKS concrete made with 32.5N and 42.5N grades of Portland Limestone Cement (PLC). A designed mix of Grade 20 culminating into a combined ratio of 1:1:1 for cement, sand and PKS batched by volume adopting a water-cement ratio (w/c) of 0.45. The compressive and tensile strengths of the concrete were tested, the durability of the concrete was determined using a water absorption test and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was conducted to correlate the test results. The outcome of investigations showed that PKS concrete from the cement of grade 42.5N has higher compressive and tensile strengths than grade 32.5N. Microstructural images from SEM showed non-uniformly distributed voids which are higher in concrete produced from 32.5N grade cement. Hence, the PKS concrete from grade 32.5N PLC absorbed more water than the concrete made from 42.5N PLC. Therefore, cement grade affects the strength, durability and microstructure of PKS concrete.

Citation

Odeyemi, S.O., Adegolu, E.R., Adisa, M.O., Ayotebi, O.D., Mustapha, K., & Adeniyi, A.G. (2024). Mechanical Properties, Durability and Microstructure of Palm Kernel Shell Concrete Produced from Different Grades of Portland Limestone Cement. Nigerian Research Journal of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, 9(1), 274–281.

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https://kwasuspace.kwasu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/2790

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