Author(s) :

Yusuf, Ibrahim Tunde , Aboshio, Aaron, Babatunde, Yusuf Olawale, Kolade, Samuel Oluwaseun.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Rising cost of materials has led to the sourcing, developing and using of new materials such as agricultural wastes in construction. The use of coconut shell (CS) and coconut fibre (CF) in construction will ensure economical, eco-friendly and sustainable construction, enhance reduction of waste, serve as alternative source of income to farmers, improve the economy of the nation and result in healthier environment. The strength properties (density, compressive and tensile strengths) of coconut shell concrete (CSC) produced by replacing conventional coarse aggregate with 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% CS at mix ratio of 1:11/2:3, and water/cement (w/c) ratio of 0.5 were determined. Another set of CSC produced at the same proportions were reinforced with fibre (1, 2, 3 and 4% by weight of cement) and the strengths re-determined. A total of 18-150 mm CSC cubes and 72-100 x 200 mm fibre-reinforced CSC cylinders, respectively were produced and tested after 28 days of curing for compressive strength and tensile strength, correspondingly. Results show that the physical properties of CS conformed to specifications for lightweight aggregates, confirming that CS as a lightweight aggregate suitable for the production of lightweight concrete. Results also show that the strength properties of CSC decreased with increase in proportion of CS. However, the strength properties increased with increase in the proportion of CF, implying that CF served as a good reinforcement in CSC. In addition, for each proportion of CF, the strength properties of CSC decreased with increased proportion of CS. The use of CF is, therefore recommended as reinforcement in concrete.

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