Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregate with Coconut Shell and Cement with Coconut Shell Ash

Abstract

The rapid growth of the construction industry has led to a global increase in the demand for concrete, a major construction material known for its significant environmental impact. In India, the current state of the construction industry requires a substantial amount of cement and concrete for sustainable development. However, the production of cement, an essential component of concrete, is one of the most energy- intensive industries and contributes significantly to co2 emissions. Additionally, there are concerns about the resource depletion of natural resources. To address these issues, several investigations are underway to identify suitable alternative material for use in concrete. Coconut, a significant crop in many tropical countries, generate large quantities of waste in the form of coconut shell, which are often disposed of in landfills due to the high demand of coconut-based products. This project aims to explore the use of coconut shell ash as the partial replacement for cement and crushed coconut shell as the partial replacement for coarse aggregate in concrete. These substitutions are intended to reduce the environmental impact of concrete production while maintaining the structural performance requirements. The pozzolanic properties and low water absorption of coconut shell make them suitable for use in concrete, and utilizing waste materials in this way not only helps in their disposal but also provide additional benefits such as cost savings in energy and landfill management, as well as environmental protection.