An investigation of the mechanical properties of concrete composed of

crushed coconut shell as a partial replacement for natural coarse

aggregate.
Group #: 2
Researchers: Dexter Swaving, Shan Singh, Anton Fileen
Internal Supervisor: Dr. William Wilson
External Supervisor:

January 13, 2023

CIV 4001 - Project

Department of Civil Engineering
Faculty of Engineering & Technology
University of Guyana 1
 Outline of Presentation
Introduction

Literature Review

Research Methodology

Acknowledgement

References
2
Acronyms

 w/s – Water, cement ratio

 ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials

 BS - British Standards

 CCS – Crushed Coconut Shell

 NCA – Natural Coarse Aggregate

 IS – Indian Standard

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 1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background

 Concrete is a composite material composed of cement, fine aggregate (sand),

coarse aggregate (stone), water, and sometimes admixtures.

 It is the leading construction material in the world produced at a rate of 7.23

billion tons per year (B. Sandeep et al., 2017). The worldwide demand has
resulted in concrete being expensive and its materials scarce.

 Guyana in recent years has experienced an “infrastructural and construction

boom” (Stabroek News, 2021) resulting in a “stone shortage”.
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 1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background

 Coarse aggregates occupy approximately 50% of concrete and it is the most

expensive of the materials used in concrete.

 Due to its unavailability and the promotion of sustainability a number of research

were and are being conducted for alternatives. One prominent alternative is
agricultural waste, coconut shells.

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 1.0 Introduction
1.2 Project Aim

 This study aims to investigate the mechanical properties of concrete

composed of crushed coconut shell as a coarse aggregate alternative for
conventional coarse aggregate (stone) in concrete. Ultimately to determine
the effectiveness of CCS as coarse aggregate in concrete.

1.3 Research Question

 Can Coconut Shell be a suitable replacement for natural coarse aggregates in

concrete construction?

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 1.0 Introduction
1.4 Project Objectives

 To determine the compression strength, flexural strength, tensile strength and

workability of concrete compose of CCS at selected partial replacement for natural
coarse aggregate;

 To determine the optimum percentage of CCS that can be added as partial replacement
of coarse aggregate in concrete;

 To advocate for a sustainable environment and affordable construction within Guyana.

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 1.0 Introduction
1.5 Project Scope

 This project encapsulates a comparative analysis of the mechanical properties;

namely: compression strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and
workability of M20 grade concrete partially replacing NCA with CCS at
replacement percentages 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%. These tests will be
conducted at the University of Guyana Civil Engineering laboratory and the
Ministry of Public Works laboratory at 7 and 28 days of curing.

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 1.0 Introduction
1.6 Study Contribution

 This study will be the first conducted locally, i.e. investigating the primary
mechanical properties of concrete composed of partially replaced coarse
aggregate with CCS aggregate. It will add to the pool of existing data and
determine whether CCS has a real chance of being an alternative for natural
coarse aggregate in concrete and recommend possible use for this type of
concrete.

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 2.0 Literature Review
2.1 Natural Coarse Aggregate (NCA)
 Stone crushed mechanically or by hand into a smaller size more than and equal to
4.75mm according to the IS Sieve.
 In concrete construction, aggregates are used to reduce cracking and most
importantly to provide strength to the structure.
2.2 Coconut Shell Aggregate
 Aggregate produced from industrial wastes and agricultural wastes can be a viable
new source of building material.
 Utilizing coconut shells as aggregate in concrete production can reduce construction
cost, conserve natural resource and reduce the amount waste to be disposed of.

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 2.0 Literature Review
2.3 Related Study

 In a study conducted by (B. Sandeep et al., 2017), the M20 mix was used at
replacement percentages 0% to 30% at 5% intervals and tested on curing days 7 and 28.

 The optimum percentage replacement of natural coarse aggregate with crushed

coconut shell was found at 15%.

 On curing day 28 it yields 24.61 N/mm2.

 It was concluded, crushed coconut shells are suitable partial substitutes for
conventional/ natural coarse aggregates in lightweight concrete production.
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 2.0 Literature Review
2.4 Laboratory Tests
2.4.1 Compression Strength Test

 Evaluates the maximum compressive load a material can

withstand before breaking (The Editors of Encyclopaedia
Britannica, 1998).

Figure 1: Cylinder compression test

(Evirgen, 2014).

Figure 2: Cube compression test (CivilMint, ca.2022).

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 2.0 Literature Review
2.4.2 Split Tensile Strength Test

 Evaluates the capacity of concrete to withstand tensile stress or force (Mahajan,

2022).

Figure 2: Split tensile test (Gundaraniya, 2022).

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 2.0 Literature Review
2.4.3 Flexural Strength Test

 Evaluates concrete beam and slab resistance to failure due to bending

(Hamakareem, M. I. 2017).

Figure 5: Execution of a two-point loading (Flexural

Test, ca.2022).
Figure 4: Types of flexural strength test (Concept, 2022).
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 2.0 Literature Review
2.4.4 Workability/Slump Test

 Examines the consistency of the concrete to determine how well it holds together
(Lead, C. 2022).

Figure 6: Execution of a slump test (Team, 2021).

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3.0 Research Methodology

Figure 7: Methodology
proposed for this project.

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 3.0 Research Methodology

This research will be executed in two phases:

3.1 Theoretical Works: this involves research and review of relevant published
articles and books, and analysis of collected data.

3.2 Practical Works: this involves the procurement of materials and execution of
the laboratory tests.

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 3.0 Research Methodology
This project will follow the methodology outlined below:

3.3 Start:

Planning strategy for the progress of works.

3.4 Theoretical Works:

Research relevant data; published articles and books.

3.5 Calculation:

Calculation of the amount of materials to be used in the mix design for the different percentage
replacements of NCA with CCS.

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 3.0 Research Methodology
3.6 Practical Works:

Procurement and mobilization of material (cement, sand, natural aggregates and

coconut shells)

Preparation of the coconut shells; cleaning, crushing and drying of the shells

Preparation of laboratory apparatus, e.g.: setup of cube and cylinder moulds

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 3.0 Research Methodology
3.7 Laboratory Tests:

The tests will be conducted between two laboratories, namely: the Civil Lab of the Faculty of
Engineering and Technology, University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus, and the Ministry of Public
Works Lab, Kingston Georgetown.

 Compressive Strength Test (BS 1881: Part 116: 1983)

 Flexural Strength Test (ASTM C78)

 Split Tensile Strength Test (ASTM C496 )

 Slump Test (ASTM C 143)

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 3.0 Research Methodology
3.8 Data Analysis
Data analysis will be taken from the following:
Specimens/
Tests Mix Design Test Days % Replacement day/
%replacement
Compression Strength M20 7, 28 0%,10%, 20%, 30%, 40% 3

Flexural Strength M20 7, 28 0%,10%, 20%, 30%, 40% 1

Split Tensile Strength M20 7, 28 0%,10%, 20%, 30%, 40% 3

Workability/Slump M20 - 0%,10%, 20%, 30%, 40% 1

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 3.0 Research Methodology
3.9 Project Duration

 The timeline for the total duration of this project is estimated to take 234 days
starting from the 23rd September, 2022 and scheduled to complete on 15th May,
2023.

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 4.0 Acknowledgement

 Firstly we will give thanks to the Lord Jesus, for sustaining and blessing us
with the knowledge and ability to execute this presentation.

 Secondly we express thanks to all the personnel's that contributed to

completion of this presentation, note worthy persons being: Head of
Department: Dr. Darymple, internal supervisor: Dr. Wilson and classmates.
Thank you once again for your contributions and support to the success of
our project proposal.

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 5.0 References
Kambli, P. S., & Mathapati, S. R. (2014). Application of Coconut Shell as Coarse Aggregate in Concrete: A

Technical Review. In Journal of Engineering Research and Applications www.ijera.com (Vol. 4, Issue 3).

www.ijera.com

Kaur, M., & Kaur, M. (2012). A review on utilization of coconut shell as coarse aggregates in mass concrete. In

International Journal of Applied Engineering Research (Vol. 7, Issue 11). http://www.ripublication.com/ijaer.htm

B. Sandeep Reddy Asst. Professor Svec, Ch. Gopi Chand,asst. Professor Svec, & B. Anusha,pg Student Cbit-hyd.

(2017). Experimental Investigation of Concrete using Coconut Shell as a Coarse Aggregate Replacement.

International Journal of Engineering Research And, V6(04). https://doi.org/10.17577/ijertv6is040769

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 5.0 References
Stabroek News. (2021, March 13). Ministers say construction boom causing countrywide cement and stone
shortages. Stabroek News. Retrieved December 3, 2022, from
https://www.stabroeknews.com/2021/03/13/news/guyana/ministers-say-construction-boom-causing-countrywide-
cement-and-stone-shortages/

Leman, A. S., Shahidan, S., Nasir, A. J., Senin, M. S., Mohd Zuki, S. S., Wan Ibrahim, M. H., Deraman, R., Khalid, F.
S., & Azhar, A. T. S. (2017). Properties of concrete containing coconut shell powder (CSP) as a filler. IOP Conference
Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 271, 012006. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899x/271/1/012006

Lead, C. (2022, December 5). Concrete Slump Test - Procedure & Precautions | Slump Test of Concrete for
Workability. Civil Lead. https://www.civillead.com/concrete-slump-test/

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (1998, July 20). compressive strength test. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/technology/compressive-strength-test

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 5.0 References
Mahajan, B. (2022, September 23). Tensile Strength Of Concrete Test | Split Cylinder Test Of Concrete |
Tensile Strength Test Procedure. Civiconcepts. https://civiconcepts.com/blog/tensile-strength-of-concrete

Hamakareem, M. I. (2017, October 6). Flexural Test on Concrete, Its Significance, Procedures and
Applications. The Constructor. https://theconstructor.org/concrete/flexural-test-concrete-procedure-
applications/18576/

Verma, S. K., & Shrivastava, S. (2019). Use of coconut shell as partly substitution of coarse aggregate - An
experimental analysis. PROCEEDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE
MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES FOR CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURES (SMSCI2019).
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5127145

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 5.0 References
Evirgen, B. (2014, July). Concrete compression test equipment. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Concrete-
compression-test-equipment_fig1_261028775

Cube Test to measure Concrete Compressive Strength. (ca. 2022). CivilMint.Com. https://civilmint.com/concrete-
compressive-strength-cube-test-and-its-procedure/

Gundaraniya, N. (2022, January 12). Tensile Strength of Concrete| What is Tensile Strength of Concrete | Why
Concrete Weak in Tension |Split Cylinder Test of Concrete | Tensile Strength Test Procedure. CivilJungle.
https://civiljungle.com/concrete-stength/

Concept, C. (2022, July 5). How to Calculate flexural strength of concrete? | Flexural strength formula. Civil
Concept. https://www.civilconcept.com/flexural-strength-formula/

Flexural Strength Test to Check Tension in Concrete. (n.d.). https://gharpedia.com/blog/flexural-strength-test/

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 5.0 References
Team, D. (2021, December 6). Slump Test Of Concrete. DAILY CIVIL. https://dailycivil.com/concrete-slump-test-1/

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Research Topic:

Thank You.
An investigation of the mechanical
properties of concrete composed of
crushed coconut shell as a partial

Questions?
replacement for natural coarse aggregate.

Team Members:
Dexter Swaving, Shan Singh, Anton Fileen 29