Philippine E-Journals

Development of Non-Load Bearing Hollow Blocks Utilizing Coconut Shells in Concrete Mixture

Merlin D. Herrera

Discipline: Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering

 

Abstract:

The main purpose of this research is to determine if the concrete mix with partial component of crushed coconut shells can be used as additive in producing non-load bearing hollow blocks. For this purpose, the coarse aggregate was partially replaced by 10 %, 20% and 30% crushed coconut shells and was subjected to compression test in order to determine its compressive strength. Varying percentages of coconut shells were substituted in the mixture. Experimental results have indicated that the more coconut shells being added, the compressive strength of the mixture decreases. Only the concrete using 10% crushed coconut shells trial mixture meet the minimum standard for non-load bearing hollow blocks. These were true, both for cylinder samples and concrete hollow block samples. The concrete with 30% and 20% crushed coconut shells trial mixtures, failed to meet the minimum standard compressive test after 28 days of curing. The low compressive strength of concrete mixtures with 20% and 30% coconut shells mixture were due to the following factors: quantity of coconut shells to be added and its ability to bond with the aggregates used.