Palm Kernel shell evaluation as partial coarse aggregate in concrete

The need for alternative, sustainable materials arises due to the cost of granite and the environmental impact of quarrying activities. Additionally, the generation of large quantities of Palm Kernel Shell (PKS), a byproduct of palm oil processing, which is often disposed of as waste, contributes to environmental pollution. These necessitated a study on the evaluation of palm kernel shell as a partial coarse aggregate in concrete. Granite was partially replaced with PKS at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% by weight. The tests carried out included sieve analysis, specific gravity, density, aggregate impact value test, slump tests, and compressive strength test. The PKS concrete cube specimens were cast and cured for 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days before the compressive strength test was carried out. The density test used twelve specimens, while the workability test used four specimens, carried out on the 28-day concrete. Some observations were noticed in the results; as the PKS percentages increased in the concrete, the density and workability reduced at 28 days. There was a 0.99% and 0.86% reduction in the density and workability of the 10% weighted PKS concrete when compared to the control concrete. Also, compressive strength decreased with increasing PKS content when compared to granite. However, concrete containing up to 10% PKS achieved compressive strength values close to the target strength for Grade 20 concrete at 28 days. It was concluded that palm kernel shell can be used as a partial replacement for granite up to an optimum level of 10% by weight, for lightweight concrete applications, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for sustainable concrete production.