THE EFFECT OF USING PALM KERNEL SHELL AS A PARTIAL

REPLACEMENT FOR COARSE AGGREGATE IN LIGHT WEIGHT

CONCRETE

BY

AKOR DANIEL TERUNGWA

FPT/KND/SET/CET/HND/0307

BEING A PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
TECHNOLOGY FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC KAURA NAMODA
ZAMFARA STATE
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE
AWARD OF HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA (HND) IN CIVIL
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

JULY, 2022

1
 DECLARATION
This is to declare that this research work was being conducted by Akor Daniel
Terungwa under the supervision of Dr. Engr. Sani Magaji of the department of
Civil Engineering Technology Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda.

__________________________________ ________________
AKOR DANIEL TERUNGWA DATE/SIGN
FPT/KND/SET/CET/HND/0307

2
 APPROVAL PAGE

This is to certify that this research work is an original work undertaken by Akor

Daniel Terungwa off the department of civil engineering. This work has been

prepared in accordance with the regulations governing the preparation of project

work in Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State.

____________________ ____________________
Dr. Engr. Sani Magaji Sign & Date
Project Supervisor

____________________ ____________________
Engr. Sirajo Ibrahim Magaji Sign Date
Project Coordinator

____________________ ____________________
Engr. Johnson .C. Abbah Sign & Date
HOD Civil Engineering Tech

3
 DEDICATION

I dedicate this project to God almighty for the wisdom, understanding and strength

he gave me to carry out this research work.

4
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Thanks be to God Almighty for his sufficient grace, mercy, guidance, protection

and support which rains for eternity for the success of our program, for his

unfailing love, wisdom and understanding, knowledge which make this project a

reality.

I am equally indebted to Dr. Engr. Sani Magagi my project supervisor for his

advice and counseling during the period of my project work. Also my gratitude

goes to and Engr. Masari and the Head of Department. I also thank the entire

lecturers of the department for impacting knowledge into us as student, may the

good Lord continue to bless and protect you and your families in Jesus name

(Amen).

Appreciation also goes to my parents and entire families for their spiritual,

financial and moral support during the project work.

And finally to my colleagues, friends and loved ones for their

encouragement, contribution and support to the success of this project, I say a very

big you to you all and my God bless you all (Amen.)

5
 ABSTRACT
The research work was carried out to determine the use of palm kernel shell as a
partial replacement for coarse aggregate in concrete taking into consideration the
compressive strength and water absorption capacity. The following tests were
carried out; cement fineness, soundness, cement setting time, sieve analysis,
aggregate specific gravity test, slump test, water absorption test and compressive
strength test. The result of water absorption and compressive strength shows that
the water absorption capacity of palm kernel shell is normal compared to plain
concrete and a replacement of 10% and 25%. The method adopted were
laboratory test in which concrete cubes were casted for the period of 7 days, 14
days and 28 days. After curing for these period two tests were carried out on each
set of sample, in order to compare the strength of the concrete using values
obtained from test results. The recommended percentage replacement for possible
use in construction should not be more than 25% because of its high resistant to
both impact and crushing load, palm kennel shell can be used in the construction
of foot path, German floor, and for self-weight structures use for aesthetics
purposes.

6
 TABLE OF CONTENT

Title page - - - - - - - - -i

Declaration - - - - - - - - -ii

Approval page - - - - - - - - -iii

Dedication - - - - - - - - - -iv

Acknowledgement - - - - - - - -v

Abstract - - - - - - - - - -vi

Table of content - - - - - - - - -vii-x

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction- - - - - - - - -1

1.1 Background of the study - - - - - -1

1.2 Statement of the problem - - - - - -2

1.3Aim and Objectives - - - - - - -3

1.3.1Aim of the study - - - - - - -3

7
1.3.2 Objective of the study - - - - - -3

1.4 Significance of the study - - - - - -4

1.5 Scope of the study - - - - - - -4

1.5.1 Scope - - - - - - - - -4

1.5.2 Limitation - - - - - - - -4

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature review - - - - - - -8

2.1 historical background of light weight concrete - - -5

2.2 Concrete - - - - - - - -6

2.2.1 Types of concrete - - - - - - -6

2.2.2 Lightweight concrete - - - - - -7

2.3 Mix constituents of concrete - - - - -7

2.4 Cement - - - - - - - - -8

2.5 Types of Portland cement s - - - - - -8

2.6 Aggregates - - - - - - - -9

2.6.1 Fine aggregates - - - - - - -9

8
2.6.2 Coarse aggregates - - - - - - -10

2.7 Palm kernel - - - - - - - -10

2.7.1 Palm kernel shell - - - - - - -10

2.8 Definition of terms - - - - - - -12

CHAPTER THREE

Research methodology - - - - - - -15

3.0 Materials and method - - - - - - -15

3.1 Materials - - - - - - - -15

3.1.1Cement- - - - - - - - -15

3.3.1 Method - - - - - - - -15

3.3.2 Aggregate - - - - - - - -15

3.2 Methods - - - - - - - -15

3.2.1 Properties of cement - - - - - -15

3.3 Tests on cement - - - - - - -16

3.3.1Cement fineness tests - - - - - -16

3.3.2 Cement soundness test - - - - - -16

3.3.3 Cement setting time test - - - - - -16

3.4 Test on aggregate - - - - - - -18

3.4.1 Sieve analysis for coarse aggregate - - - -18

9
3.4.2 Sieve analysis for fine aggregate - - - -19

3.4.3 Specific gravity test - - - - - -19

3.4.4 Aggregate impact value test - - - - -20

3.4.5 Aggregate crushing value - - - - - -21

3.5 Slump test - - - - - - - -23

3.6 Compressive strength test - - - - - -23

3.7 Preparation of concrete specimen - - - - -23

3.7.1 Batching of material of concrete specimen - - -24

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Results and discussion - - - - - - -25

4.1 Results - - - - - - - - -25

4.1.1 Design of concrete grade- - - - - - -25

4.2 Cement fineness test result and calculation - - -26

4.3 Cement soundness test result - - - - -27

4.4 Cement setting time result - - - - - -28

4.5 Sieve analysis of coarse aggregate (crushed aggregate) -29

4.6 Sieve analysis of fine aggregate - - - - -31

4.7 Compressive strength for concrete made with crushed aggregate and PKS -32

4.8 Compressive strength for replacement - - - -38

10
CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Conclusion and Recommendation - - - - -40

5.1 Conclusion - - - - - - - -40

5.2 Recommendation - - - - - - -40

References - - - - - - - -42-43

Appendix I - - - - - - - -44-48

Appendix II - - - - - - - -49-50

11
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Concrete is a solid rock-like mass formed from the mixture of sand, gravel, granite

(aggregates), cement (binder) and water (to start hydration process) in a specified

proportion to achieve a particular strength at the end of a particular period of

curing.

Concrete has been the most useful material in the construction industries of the

world (Aitcin 2000, Mobsaher 2008) and right from the early Roman periods, the

use of lightweight concrete (LWC) has been a prominent act in the construction

industry as argued by Chandra (2002).

Architects, engineers and builders have so much recognized the unavailable

economics and advantages this product (LWC) offers.

Lightweight concrete is a mixture made with full or partial replacement of coarse

aggregate (convectional gravel or granite) and in some cases, a portion or the entire

fine aggregates may be a lightweight product conforming to ASTM 330.

12
Structural lightweight concrete has a unit weight of 1440 to 1840kg/m 3 compared

to normal weight of density range from 2240 to 2400kg/m 3 (about 25% to 35%

lighter).

Palm kernel shell (PKS) are commonly used in the construction industry, because

their use for such has not been encouraged. Hence, this project study is aimed at

encouraging the material government to encourage the call for the use of local

materials, such as PKS in the construction industry to limits costs of construction

and also enhance useful disposal.

PKS are derived from oil palm tree (elaeis guncensis), am economically valuable

tree and nature of West Africa and widely spread throughout the tropics. In

Nigeria, the oil palm tree generally grows in the rain forest region close to the

coastal areas (southern Nigeria mostly) such as Enugu, Cross River, Akwa Ibom,

some parts of Ogun and Benue State.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS

One of the major challenges facing delivery of large number of development

projects is the incessant increases in the process of building material including

cement and aggregate. The cost of concrete depends primarily on two factors

namely: cost of materials and cost of labour. Labour cost can be by way of from

work, batching, mixing, transporting and curing. This is nearly same for both good

13
and bad concrete, therefore attention should mainly be directed to the cost of

materials, particularly the cost of aggregates (Acheunu 1991).

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1.3.1 AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this work is to completely use palm kernel shell (PKS) to replace

coarse aggregates in the production of light weight concrete (LWC) to reduced

structural self-weight and saving cost.

1.3.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

i. To determine palm kernel shell as a coarse aggregate substitute

ii. To determine the physical properties of palm kernel shell as aggregates

iii. To produce concrete cubes for both palm kernel shell and normal concrete,

cure and evaluate their respective strength for curing period of 7days, 14

days and 28 days respectively.

iv. To compare the two alternative to normal weight concrete for strength and

density.

14
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This research work is needed in the following areas:

To produce detailed and technical information which can be used in the complete

replacement of coarse aggregate with PKS in the production of LWC, thereby

reducing costs.

1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

1.5.1 SCOPE

The project work cover use of crushed coarse aggregate obtained from

quarry plant and palm kernel shell of 1:1½:3. Test conducted on the samples

include compressive strength.

1.5.2 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

i. Considering the wideness of this study, so it will be limited on comparing

the compressive strength of concrete after 7days, 14 days and 28 days

respectively.

ii. Also due to financial factors, one mix ratio will be use, that is one part of

cement to one and half part of fine aggregate to three part of coarse

aggregate (1:1 ½ :3).

15
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF LIGHT WEIGHT CONCRETE

Concrete is referred to as a composite building material made from the

combination of aggregates and cement binder. A classic example for the evolution

of concrete since the ancient history as reviewed by Chandra (2002), is the use of

concrete by the Romans in 300BC when they found that mixing a pink and-like

material which was volcanic ash they obtained from Pozzuol with their normal

lime-based concretes resulted in a far stronger material, this innovative methods

was used in preparing concrete mixes with different aggregate materials to suit the

structural requirements and strength, and these developments in the quality of

cement has a direct influence on the development of the concrete technology.

Although, the aggregate component of the concrete composition play an equally

important role in various mixes of concrete that serve as desired purpose as argued

by Chandra (2002). The classical examples for the above statement include the use

of lightweight aggregate in the roof of the pantheon, and embedded reinforcement

in the form of bronze bars as argued by Berntsson (2002). Another element of

greater significance to the development of concrete technology in the recent years

as early as the 1900s, is the development of concrete boats during the second world

16
war, where the lightweight aggregate concrete play a vital role in the design and

construction of the ships itself argued by Gienn (2004).

2.2 CONCRETE

Concrete is a rock -like solid mass, formed from the mixture of cement, fine and

coarse aggregates and water, in a particular proportion, with particular strength at a

particular Age. The cement and water reacts together chemically ( in hydration

process) to forma paste, which binds the aggregate particles together. The paste

could be poured into a mould and compacted by vibration or ramming to entrapped

air After setting the mould or formwork is removed, for the concrete to have its

shape The qualities of the constituent proportions in which they are misled

determines the strength and properties of the resulting products.

2.2.1 TYPES OF CONCRETE

Different types of concrete are produced depending upon the end application.

The various types of concrete include the ones listed below,

1. High strength concrete

2. Precast concrete

3. Pre-stressed concrete

4. Ready mix concrete

5. Reinforced concrete
17
It is important to mention the three Basic types of concrete,

1. Normal weight concrete

2. Lightweight concrete

3. Heavy weight concrete.

2.2.2 LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE

Structural light weight concrete are usually produced by replacing a whole or a part

of natural normal weight aggregate by artificial or natural light weight aggregate.

There are many types of light weight concrete and their properties cover wide

ranges, Such as; elastic properties, compressive and tensile strength, time

dependent properties, durability, fire resistance, etc. as dependent on the type of

aggregate utilized in the concrete. Structural light weight aggregate concrete is

defined as concrete which is made with lightweight aggregates

2.3 MIX CONSTITUENTS OF CONCRETE

The mix constituents of a composite material (concrete) are basically cement,

aggregates and water in a specified proportion. Some authors of concrete

technology classify these constituents as fine, sand, coarse and water fraction,

based on the type materials and the function that they carryout, and these parts are

interdependent on each other.

18
2.4 CEMENT

Cement is the most important and most expensive ingredient in concrete, but

depending on the design mix, Sometimes, aggregates cost more than the cement in

cubic meter of concrete.

Cement as materials with both adhesive and cohesive properties, which make

capable of binding mineral fragments into a compact whole. For constructional

purposes, it serves as a binding medium for the sand and coarse aggregates or

binding material used with stone, sand, bricks, and building blocks. As a

chemically active constituent, the reactivity of cement is brought into effect only

on mixing with water. The different types of cement in making concrete is

generally grounded powders and all have the important property that when cement

is mixed with water, a chemical reaction (hydration) takes place, which in turn,

produces a very hard and strong binding medium tor the aggregates.

2.5 TYPES OF PORTLAND CEMENT

Several types of cement have been used successfully for stabilization of soils.

Type I normal Portland cement and type I A are entrain cement where used

extensively in the past and the about same result. At the present time, type II

cement has largely replaced type I cement as greater sulfate resistance is obtained

while the cost is often the same. High early strength cement (Type III) has been

19
found to give a higher strength in some soil. Type III cement has a finer particle

size in a different compound composition then do the other cement types. Portland

cement is made by blending calcareous (lime containing) material and argillaceous

material. The raw materials are carefully proportioned to provide the desired

amount of lime silica, aluminum oxide and iron oxide.

2.6 AGGREGATES

The strength of concrete mixture, volume stability, density and durability depend

on the coarse ag8regates quantity and quality while the fine aggregate influences

the property of the mix in the wet state (Neville, 2008).

Aggregates are much cheaper than cement and medium economy is obtained by

using as much aggregate as possible in concrete. Its use also cons1derabiy

improves both volume stability and durability of the resulting concrete.

1. Fine aggregates, and

2. Coarse aggregates

2.6.1 FINE AGGREGATES

Fine aggregates are mainly those passing through 4.75mm and retained on the 7.5

microns aperture sizes of the British standard Sieves. They are mostly referred to

20
as "sand resulting from the natural disintegration of rock and also "crushed sand"

or "stone dust" produced by crushing a hard stone or rock.

2.6.2 COARSE AGGREGATES

Coarse aB8regates consist of aggregates passing through 37.5mm and retained on

4.3mm aperture size sieve openings. This is a very important ingredient of a

concrete mix as it determines the compressive strength of the concrete mixture and

no improvement can be made to a concrete with weak and friable coarse

aggregates as premature failure will occur even with a rich cement mortar mix.

2.7 PALM KERNEL

The palm kernel 1s the edible seed of the oil palm fruit. The fruit yield two distinct

oils; palm oil derived from the outer parts of the first, and palm kernel oil derived

from the kernel.

The pulp left after oil is rendered from the kernel is formed into "Palm Kernel

cake" used as high protein feed for dairy cattle.

2.7.1 PALM KERNEL SHELL

Palm kernel shell has become one of the valuable commodities in palm oil

industry, many usages or application has been developed e.g. Local content

construction material. The palm oil plant (Elais Guinensis), considering its three

21
different varieties; Dura, Peripheral, and Tenera, produces an edible fruit similar to

an apricot, which has inside 3 nut. During the crude oil palm process that fruit’s

flesh is melted through a steaming treatment.

The residual nuts and further mechanically crashed shells are called palm kernel

shell (PKS).

Palm kernel shells have a very low ash and sulphur contents.

 Ash content (typical about 3% weight- ASTM 03174-02)

 Sulphur content (typical about 0.09% weight ASRTM D4239-02)

 Moisture: 1.7% maximum

 Impurity: 2% maximum

 Fiber: 5% maximum

 Hard shell: 90% maximum

Palm Kernel shell can be processed into various dimensional grades to suit specific

applications such as:

1. Charcoal

2. Activated carton,

3. Light weight aggregate for concrete

4. Fillings etc.

22
2.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. CEMENT

Cement can be define as the burning of a mixture of calcareous and argillaceous

materials at a very high temperature and a small gypsum is added to the clinker

2. AGGREGATE

Aggregate can be defined as a category of particulate materials used in

construction and these aggregates includes; sand, gravel, crushed stone, other local

materials like palm kernel shell oyster shells, coconut shells etc.

3. COARSE AGGREGATE

Coarse aggregate are those aggregate whose sizes are greater than 4.75mm e-B.

gravel and palm kernel shell are used completely and separately as coarse

aggregates in the production of normal and lightweight concrete respectively.

4. FINE AGGREGATE

Fine ag8regates are those aggregates whose sizes are less than 4./5nm e-B. Sand 1s

used as fined aggregates in this project work and the production of both normal

and lightweight concrete respectively.

5. WATER CEMENT RATIO

This refers to the right proportioning of water to cement in a concrete mixture.

23
6. WATER

Water can be defined as a colourless, transparent, odourless, tasteless liquid that

forms the sea, lakes, rivers, rain etc. it is a chemical compound with the chemical

formula H20

7. CURING

Curing is the process for promoting the hydration of cement and thus the

development of concrete strength progressively e.g. by complete immersion in

water

8. CONCRETE

This is defined according to Jan (1989); as a composite material which is made up

of a tiller and a binder. The binder is the cement paste while the filler are fine and

coarse aggregates.

9. NORMAL WEIGHT CONCRETE

This is a concrete material made up basically of coarse aggregate i.e. crushed

Granite, Fine aggregate, cement and water. It usually has weight of density ranging

from 2240 to 2400kg/m3.

24
10. LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE (LWC)

This is a concrete material usually produced by either a partial or replacement or

coarse aggregates with a likely replaceable material, producin8 a concrete material

of compressive strength of 2500psi and also 1840kg/m", or at most 1920kg/m.

11. PALM KERNEL SHELL

This is gotten from a plant called botanically as Elais Guinensis. It's shell is light in

weight and is used as a local content construction material in this project tor the

replacement of coarse aggregate in concrete production. It is abbreviated as PKS

all through the project work.

25
 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 MATERIALS AND METHOD

3.1 MATERIALS

3.1.1 CEMENT

Dangote manufactured Portland cement was used in this investigation and it was

obtained from cement marketers in Kaura Namoda, Zamfara state.

3.1.2 AGGREGATES

The coarse aggregate used was a normal weight aggregate with a nominal size of

20mm, it was obtained from the marketers in Kaura Namoda Fine aggregates also

was use in river sand, and it was obtain from marketers in Kaura Namoda.

3.2 METHODS

3.2.1PROPERTIES OF CEMENT

The cement properties in terms of Fineness, Soundness, initial and final setting

times was be conducted in accordance with the standards for the control (0%) and

other palm kernel shell replacement samples.

26
3.3 TESTS ON CEMENT

3.3.1 CEMENT FINENESS TEST (SIEVING METHOD I.S4030 PART 1)

Aims: To determine the fineness of cement sample

Apparatus

i. Weighing balance (digital)

ii. Sieve of 90 microns and its pan

Procedure

1. Take or weight 400g of cement and noted as (R1)

2. Use 90 microns sieve and sieve it for 15 minutes

3. Weigh the residue retained on the 90 microns sieve noted as (R2)

3.3.2 CEMENT SOUNDNESS TEST

Apparatus

Split cylinder, weighing balance and glass plate

Procedure

1. Prepare a cement paste by adding 0.78 time the water required to give a paste

of standard consistency i.e (0.78p).

2. Lightly oil the le-chatelier mould and place it on a lightly oiled glass sheet.

27
3. Fill the mould with the prepared cement paste, in the process of filling the

mould keep the edges of the mould gently together.

4. Submerge the whole assembly in water at a temperature of 27± 20oc and keep it

there for 24 hours.

5. Remove the whole assembly from water bath and measure the distance

separating the indicator points to the nearest 0.5mm i.e (I1).

6. Submerged the mould again in water, heat the water and bring it to a boiling

point of 100 to 110oc for 25 to 30 minutes, then remove the mould and cool

down to room temperature.

7. After cooling down the mould to room temperature re-measure the distance

between the two indicators points to the nearest 0.5mmm i.e (F1).

3.3.3 CEMENT SETTING TIME

Aims: To determine the standard consistency, initial and final setting time of

cement sample.

Apparatus

i. The Vicat apparatus with mould, plunger, initial and final set needles

ii. Gauging trowel and weighing balance

Procedure
28
 i. Take 400g of cement weighing it accurately

ii. Add 0.85p of water by weight of cement where P is standard consistency

of the cement.

iii. Use mixing time of 3-5 minutes in preparing the cement paste.

iv. Fill the Vicat mould with the paste on a non-porous glass plate

v. Level the surface of the paste, making it smooth with the top of the

mould.

vi. Shake the mould slightly to expel air

vii. Operators hand and gauging trowel shall only be used for filling the

mould.

3.4 TEST ON AGGREGATE

3.4.1 SIEVE ANALYSIS FOR COARSE AGGREGATE

Aims: To determine the grading of coarse aggregate

Apparatus

i. Weighing balance

ii. Sieve set

Procedure

29
A sample of coarse aggregate of 1000g was used for the analysis by using sieve

sizes 20.0, 12.50, 11.20, 10.00, 8.00, 6.30, 5.00mm and dust pan.

3.4.2 SIEVE ANALYSIS FOR FINE AGGREGATE

Aims: To determine the grading of fine aggregate

Apparatus

i. Weighing balance

ii. Sieve set

Procedure

A sample of fine aggregate of 1000g was used for the analysis by using sieve sizes

5.00, 4.00, 3.15, 2.00, 1.00, 0.63, 0.25mm and dust pan.

3.4.3 SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST

Aim: To determine the ratio of the weight of a given volume of material to the

weight of a given volume of water.

Procedure

i. Collect dried soil sample passing sieve no. 10

ii. Weight 20g of the soil sample as (Mo)

iii. Fill the pycnometer with distilled water to the etch mark.

iv. Weigh it and record its mass as (Ma)

30
 v. Pour out one-fourth of the water inside the pycnometer

vi. Using a funnel add 20g of the dried soil sample in the pycnometer

vii. Gently, roll the pycnometer in a level surface to remove the air bubbles

inside

viii. When the bubbles has been removed, slowly add water into the

pycnometer to the etch mark.

ix. Record this mass of the pycnometer with water and soil as (Mb)

3.4.4 AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE TEST

Aim: To determine measure of resistance to sudden impact or shock, which may

differ from its resistance to gradually applied.

Procedure

i. Sieve the material through 12.5mm and 10.00mm 15 sieve. The

aggregate passing through 12.5mm sieve comprises the test material.

ii. Then, just 1/3 depth of measuring cylinder is filled by aggregate by

pouring.

iii. Compact the material by giving 25 gentle blows with the rounded end of

the tamping rod in the cylinder.

iv. Two more layers are added in a similar manner, to make cylinder full

v. Strike off the surplus aggregates

31
vi. Determine the net weight of the aggregates to the nearest gram (W1).

vii. Bring the impact machine to rest without wedging or packing upon the

level plate, block or floor, so that it rigid and hammer guide column are

vertical.

viii. 25 gentle strokes with tamping rod are used to compact the test sample

by fixing the cup firmly in position on the base of the machine with

placing the whole of the test sample in it.

ix. After that rise the hammer until its lower face is 380mm above the

surface of the aggregate in the cup and allow it to fall freely on the

aggregate sample, 15 such blows at an interval of not less than one

second between successive falls are acted on it.

x. Remove the crushed aggregate from the cup and sieve it through 2.36mm

IS sieve until no further significant amount passes in one minute. Weight

the fraction passing the sieve to an accuracy of 1gram (W2). The fraction

retained in the sieve is weighted.

3.4.5 AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE

Aims: Determination of aggregate crushing value crushing strength of coarse

aggregate

Procedure

32
 i. Take the empty weight of cylindrical measure as (W1)

ii. Fill aggregate sample passing through 12.5mm and retained on 10mm IS

sieve in measuring cylinder in 3 equal layers such that each layer is

subjected to 25 stokes suing the tamping road. Take the weight of

aggregate with measuring cylinder as (W2).

iii. Find out the weight of aggregate sample W = w2-w1

iv. Now, fill the aggregate in 15cm dia and 13cm height steel cylinder and

level the surface of aggregate carefully and insert the plunger so that it

rests horizontally on the surface.

v. Place a steel cylinder with plunger on the loading plate of the

compression testing machine.

vi. Operate compression machine such that 40 tons of the load is applied on

aggregate in approximately 10 minutes

vii. Release load and remove the steel cylinder from machine

viii. Take out the crushed aggregate sample and sieve on with 2.36mm IS

sieves, care being taken to avoid loss of fines.

ix. Take off the weight of fraction passing through 2.36mm IS sieve as

(W3).

3.5 SLUMP TEST

33
Slump test was carried out before casting of the concrete specimen

Procedure

The slump cone of 300mm high with bottom diameter 200mm and filled with the

mixed sample in three layers and compacted. Each layer receives 25 blows of

tamping rod. The base lifted up, turn over and put down on the base plate next to

the mould of slump. The tamping rod was place across the top of the empty

inverted cone so that it reaches over the slump concrete.

3.6 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST

The compressive testing machine was used to test the entire concrete cubes for

crushing strength at 7,14 and 28 days respectively. The various weight were to be

taken in order to determine the various densities of the sample produced. The

average failure loads were used to obtain the compressive strength.

3.7 PREPARATION OF CONCRETE SPECIMEN

The specimen moulds were made of steel with top opening. The moulds

were prepared in cube shape with dimension 150mmx150mmx150mm.

3.7.1 BATCHING OF MATERIAL OF CONCRETE SPECIMEN

34
 The management of constituent materials needed are necessary in order to

avoid wastage of materials, hence calculating of materials were done. The batching

is by weight.

CHAPTER FOUR

35
4.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 RESULTS

4.1.1 DESIGN OF CONCRETE GRADE (M20)

% Cement Shell (PKS) Fine aggregate Coarse aggregate Water

0 4.02kg 0.603kg 6.03kg 12.06kg 0.55kg

10 3.618kg 0.603kg 6.03kg 12.06kg 0.55kg

20 3.216kg 0.603kg 6.03kg 12.06kg 0.55kg

30 2.81kg 0.603kg 6.03kg 12.06kg 0.55kg

4.2 CEMENT FINENESS TEST RESULT

36
Description Unit Test 1 Test 2 Test 3

Weight of the sample Grams 400 400 400

(R1)

Weight of residue over Grams 18 20 22

90 micron sieve (R2)

Fineness of cement = % 4.5 5 5.5

R2
×100
R1

Average fineness of

cement

Average fineness of = 5

cement

Discussion

The cement of good quality should have less than 10% of weight of cement

particles larger than 90 microns sieve. The tested cement is satisfactory.

4.3 CEMENT SOUNDNESS TEST RESULT

37
S/N Initial distance between Final distance Expansion in (mm)

the indicator points in between the final distance – initial

(mm) (I) indicator distance

points in (mm)

(F)

1 22 30 8

2 25 33 8

3 23 32 9

The cement soundness result must not exceed 10mm for ordinary, rapid hardening

and low heat Portland cement. Therefore, with the result obtained the cement is

satisfactory.

4.4 CEMENT TIME SETTING RESULT

38
Mix time (min) Weight of Weight of Plunger Initial Final

cement (g) water (g) (mm) setting setting

time time

5-10 min 400 107 6.00 50 min 6 hours

For ordinary Portland cement the initial setting time should not be less than 30

minutes and final setting time should not be more than 10 hours. Therefore, the

cement used is satisfactory

4.5 SIEVE ANALYSIS OF COARSE AGGREGATE (CRUSHED

AGGREGATE)
39
Aggregate weight = 1000g or 1kg

S/N Sieve size (mm) Weight retain Weight % passing

(g) passing (g)

1 20.00 137 863 85

2 12.50 616 247 20.6

3 11.20 121 126 11.5

4 10.00 74 52 6.2

5 8.00 37 15 2.5

6 6.30 15 0 0

7 5.00 0 0 0

8 Pan 0 0 0

1000g

40
 Sieve analysis
100
Percentage passing

10 Y-Values

1
4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22
Sieve number

41
4.6 SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AGGREGATE

Aggregate weight = 1000g or 1kg

S/N Sieve size Weight Cumulative Cumulative Cumulative

(mm) retained (g) weight percentage percentage

retained (g) retained (%) passing

(%)

1 5 0 0 0 100

2 4 4 4 0.4 99.6

3 3.15 14 8 0.8 99.2

4 2.00 13 21 2.1 97.9

5 1.00 20 41 4.1 95.9

6 0.630 381 422 42.2 57.8

7 0.25 465 887 88.7 11.3

8 Pan 110 997 94.2 0.3

997g 471

42
 Sieve analysis
100
Percentage passing

10 Y-Values

1
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Sieve number

4.7 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FOR CONCRETE MADE WITH

CRUSHED AGGREGATE AND PKS

Palm Kernel Age (days) (Crushed)

Shell 7 14 28
Compressive
Replacement
strength in
(%)
(N/mm2)

0 8.64 11.13 12.11 11.13

10 4.20 4.50 3.65 4.50

15 3.00 3.22 2.55 22.22

25 4.80 4.84 3.89 24.02

43
CRUSHING VALUE FOR 7 DAYS

0% Crushed coarse aggregate

S/N Age of concrete Compressive strength in (N/mm2)

(days)

1 7 14.07

2 14 19.33

3 28 22.22

100
Compressive strength (N/mm2)

10
Y-Values
Column1
Linear (Column1)

1
5 10 15 20 25 30
Curing period (days)

10% Crushed coarse aggregate

44
S/N Age of concrete Compressive strength in (N/mm2)

(days)

1 7 6.78

2 14 10.0

3 28 8.0

10
Compressive strength (N/mm2)

1
Y-Values
Column1
Linear (Column1)

0.1
5 10 15 20 25 30
Curing period (days)

20% Crushed coarse aggregate

45
S/N Age of concrete Compressive strength in (N/mm2)

(days)

1 7 1.33

2 14 8.89

3 28 8.44

10
Compressive strength (N/mm2)

1
Y-Values
Column1
Linear (Column1)

0.1
5 10 15 20 25 30
Curing period (days)

CRUSHING VALUE FOR 14 DAYS

46
CRUSHING VALUE (KN) WEIGHT (KG) COMPRESSIVE

STRENGTH (N/MM2)

0%

CRUSHING VALUE WEIGHT (KG) COMPRESSIVE

(KN) STRENGTH (N/MM2)
600 6.029 21.1

600 5.985 19.1

725 4.896 40.6

10%

400 8.261 21.2

250 7.132 20.3

230 6.984 21.3

20%

300 7.014 25.5

200 7.233 15.5

190 6.173 24.4

CRUSHING VALUE FOR 28 DAYS

47
0% (KN)

WEIGHT (Kg)

650 650×1000=750000 750000÷22500 7.819

615 615×1000=715000 715000÷22500 7.058

470 470×1000=370000 370000÷22500 6.005

10%(KN)

515 515×1000=510000 510000÷22500 8.210

600 600×1000=700000 700000÷22500 7.415

300 300×1000=400000 400000÷22500 6.743

15%(KN)

375 375×1000=375000 375000÷22500 7.895

450 450×1000=400000 400000÷22500 7.802

400 400×1000=500000 500000÷22500 7.024

TABLE FOR 28 DAYS

%. Weight (Kg) Crushing load (KN) Compressive Strength

(N/mm2)

0 7.593 611 27.1

10 7.602 536 23.8

15 7.573 425 18.8

25 8.023 356 15.8

48
 100
Compressive strength (N/mm2)

10
Y-Values
Column1
Linear (Column1)

1
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Curing period (days)

4.8 COMPREESSIVE STRENGTH FOR REPLACEMENT

Palm Kernel Shell Age (days)
Replacement (%) 7 14 28

0 8.64 11.13 12.11

10 4.20 4.50 3.65

15 3.00 3.22 2.55

25 4.80 4.84 3.89

49
 100

10
PKS Replacement)

Y-Values
Linear (Y-Values)
Column1
1
Linear (Column1)

0.1
0 5 10 15 20 25
Ageing Days

CHAPTER FIVE

50
5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 CONCLUSION

In general, palm kernel shell has a good potential as a coarse aggregate in making

a light weight structures and can even be used for low to moderate strength

application. Base on this investigations, the following conclusions we’re being

drawn:

Concrete continues to gain strength throughout its life by hydration of cement

which is impossible without water. concrete gains most of its strength at early age

of casting and little strength when it is becoming old, it follows that concrete has to

be cured for 28 days after casting, by keeping it under moist condition during the

period because that was the period it gains most of its strength as observed.

5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

From the result obtained, palm kernel shell is recommended to be used as a partial

replacement of coarse aggregate (substitute material) in making a light weight

concrete.

1. The recommended percentage replacement for possible use in construction

should not be more than 25% because of its high resistant to both impact and

crushing load, palm kennel shell can be used in the construction of foot path,

German floor, and for self-weight structures use for aesthetics purposes.

51
2. The uses of other mix ratios are recommended for further research and

findings, introduction of additives, improvement of the concrete work ability

and batching is also recommended to be carried out by volume.

3. It is essential that in any construction work, the concrete shall be subjected

to laboratory test to ensure the designed strength is achieved and also the

number of days needed for curing the concrete.

4. Based on this study, any students that want to carry out research work on

this study or similar work should try as much as possible to use various mix

ratios and compare them with the previous ratio used.

52
 REFERENCES
ASTM C131 / C131M-20. (2020). Standard Test Method for Resistance to
Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the
Los Angeles Machine. West Conshohocken, PA: American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM) International.

ASTM D4791-19. (2019). Standard Test Method for Flat Particles, Elongated
Particles, or Flat and Elongated Particles in Coarse Aggregate. West
Conshohocken, PA: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
International.

ASTM C127-15. (2015). Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific
Gravity) and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate. West Conshohocken, PA:
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International.
Retrieved from www.astm.org

ASTM E986-04. (2017). Standard Practice for Scanning Electron Microscope

Beam Size Characterization. West Conshohocken, PA: American Society
for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International.

Basri HB, Mannan MA, Zain MFM (1999) Concrete using waste oil palm shells as
aggregate. Cement Concrete Res 29(4):619–622
British Standards Institution (1983). Methods of Determination of Slump, BS 1881,
Part 102, London. Author

British Standards Institution (1984). Testing aggregates - Guide to sampling and

testing aggregates, BS 812, Part 101. Author

British Standards Institution (1984). Testing aggregates - Guide to sampling and

testing aggregates, BS 812, Part 101. Author

53
British Standards Institution (1985). Testing aggregates – Methods for
determination of particle size distribution-BS 812, Part 103, Section 103.1
Sieve tests. Author

British Standards Institution (1989). Testing aggregates –Methods for

Determination of particle shape – Section 105.1 Flakiness index, BS 812-,
Part 105.1. Author

British Standards Institution (1990). Testing aggregates – Method for

Determination of aggregate crushing value (AVC), BS 812, Part 110. Author

British Standards Institution (1990). Testing aggregates – Method for

Determination of aggregate impact value (AIV), BS 812, Part 112. Author

British Standards Institution (1990). Testing aggregates – Method for

Determination Of aggregate abrasion value BS 812, Part 113. Author

Li Q. & Zhang Q. (2019). “Experimental study on the compressive strength and

shrinkage of concrete containing fly ash and ground granulated blast
furnace slag Structural concrete. 20.10.1002/suco.201800295.

Okpala DC (1990) Palm kernel shell as a lightweight aggregate in concrete. Build

Environ 25(4):291–296
Xiang H., Shi Z., Shi C., Tong B., Zhihua O. & De S. G. (2017) “Drying shrinkage
and cracking resistance of concrete made with ternary cementitious
components” construction and Building Materials. 149.406-415.
10..1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.05.113.

Yusuf IT, Babatunde YO, Abdullah A (2018) Investigation on flexural strength of

palm kernel shell concrete for structural application. Malays J Civ Eng
30(2):268–281.

54
 APPENDIX I

DESIGN OF CONCRETE GRADE (M20)

M20=(1:1.5:3)

Maximum water ratio =0.55

=1+1.5:+3+0.55= 6.05

Mould Size = 150mm×150mm×150mm

= 15cm×15cn×15cm

= 0.15m×0.15m×0.15m

=3.375×10-3

Volume = 0.003375m3

Unit weight of concrete= 2400kg/m3

0.003375×2400= 8.1kg

0% Replacement

Ratio

Cement = 1÷6.05×8.1= 1.34kg

Fine Aggregate = 1.5÷6.05×8.1= 2.01kg

Coarse Aggregate = 3÷6.05×8.1= 4.02kg

Water = 0.55÷6.05×8.1= 0.74 kg

Total = 1.34+2.01+4.02+0.74= 8.1kg

8.1kg is for 1 mould of 150mm×150mm×150mm for o% replacement

55
SIEVE ANALYSIS OF FINE AGGREGATE

Aggregate weight = 1000g or 1kg

The lost percentage of fine aggregate is 1000-997 = 3g

Cummulative percentage retained 471

Fineness modulus = 100
= 100
= 4.71

SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST FINE AGGREGATE (FINE AGGREGATE)

M 2−M 1
S.G = ( M 2−M 1 )−(M 3−M 4)

Where

M1= Mass of empty Pynometer = 212g

M2 = Mass of Pycnometre and dry soil = 261g

M3 = Mass of Pycnometre + soil + water = 1220g

M4 = Mass of Pycnometer + water = 1206g

261−212
S.G = ( 260−212 )−(1240−1206)

49 49
=
48−34 14
= 3.5g

Specific gravity for fine aggregate is ranges from 2.65 to 2.67 therefore, the fine

aggregate used is satisfactory.

56
SPECIFIC GRAVITY TEST COARSE AGGREGATE

Result and calculation

M 2−M 1
S.G = ( M 2−M 1 )−(M 3−M 4)

M1 = 211g

M2 = 260g

M3 = 1244g

M4 = 1209g

260−211
= ( 260−211 )−(1244−1209)

49 49
=
49−35 14
= 3.5g

AGGREGATE IMPACT VALUE TEST (CRUSHED COARSE

AGGREGATE)

Result and calculation

Weight of empty cup = 530g

Weight of cup + aggregate = 990g

57
Weight of material passing through sieve 2.36mm = 34g

W2
Aggregate impact value W 1 ×100

Where

W1 = Weight of dry sample = weight of cup + aggregate –weight of empty cup

= 990-530 = 460g

W2 = Weight of material passing through sieve 2.36mm = 38g

34
Aggregate impact value = 340 ×100

= 10%

The range of percentage of aggregate impact value are as follows:

<10% Exceptionally strong

10-20% Strong

20-30% Satisfactory

>35% Weak

With the above result value obtained the crushed coarse aggregate is strong

because it falls between the range of 10-20%

AGGREGATE CRUSHING VALUE TEST (NATURAL AGGREGATE)

58
Result and calculation

W2
Aggregate crushing value W 1 ×100

W1-W = 2000g or 2kg

W2 = 800

W2
Aggregate crushing value = (W 1−W ) × 100

800
×100
2000

= 40%

The aggregate is preferable for bituminous Macadam for flexible pavement.

SLUMP TEST

British Standard Cod (BS. 1881, part 103, 1993) specified that for a normal

concrete, the slump should not be more than 175mm. The slump of concrete varies

due to difference in aggregates.

Based on the slump test carried out the result obtained using water/ cement

ratio of 0.55 for the concrete made with the crashed aggregate was 97mm and

abed on the slump test carried out the result obtained using water/cement ratio of

0.55 for the concrete made with palm kernel shell was 0.603.

59
APPENDIX II

60
61