ASSESSMENT OF PALM KERNEL SHELLS AS AGGREGATE IN CONCRETE AND LATERITE BLOCKS

Abstract

Palm kernel shells were assessed as aggregate in concrete and laterite blocks. Results showed that laterite blocks reinforced with kernel shells at the optimum proportion of 1:4 (kernel shells:laterite) by volume were about 15% stronger than plain laterite blocks. The strength of laterite blocks reinforced with kernel shells also compared favorably with strength of sandcrete blocks which are popularly used as partitions in buildings. However, replacement of crushed stone aggregate with kernel shells in concrete blocks resulted in a strength reduction of about 50%. Therefore, palm kernel shells are not good substitutes for crushed stone aggregates in concrete.