Investigation on the suitability of palm kernel shells for lightweight concrete and blocks

This study investigate the suitability of palm kernel shells as coarse aggregates for the production of lightweight aggregates concrete grade 20 and no-fines block of mix ratio 1:6 ( cement: palm kernel shells). The properties of palm kernel shells, sand, cement, palm kernel shells concrete and no fines blocks were examined in accordance with the British standard codes of practices, Tanzania building Research Unit Manuals and American Concrete Institute Codes of Practices. The result showed that, palm kernel shells concrete and no fines palm kernel shells block have 28 days average compressive strength of 24.7 N/mm² and 3.0 N/mm² respectively. Also it has been found that, palm kernel shells concrete and no fines palm kernel shells block have 28 days average densities of 1940kg/m a3.nd 1046.34 kg/m3 respectively. The findings show that, the palm kernel shells are flaky with high water absorption capacity. Also that they are lightweight aggregate since they have the loose bulk density and gross density less than 1200kg/m3 and 2000kg/m3 correspondingly. The experiments conducted revealed that, palm kernel shells concrete is the structural lightweight aggregates concrete since it has density less than 2000kg/m3 and the 28 days compressive strength is greater than 15N/mm², whilst no fines block are lightweight and that they can be used for construction of single store buildings.