Journal of
Civil Engineering and Construction Technology

  • Abbreviation: J. Civ. Eng. Constr. Technol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2634
  • DOI: 10.5897/JCECT
  • Start Year: 2010
  • Published Articles: 140

Full Length Research Paper

Study of physico-mechanical properties of concretes based on palm kernel shells originating from the locality of Haut Nkam in Cameroon

Serge Gaston Ngagoum
  • Serge Gaston Ngagoum
  • Mechanical Laboratory, University of Douala, Cameroon.
  • Google Scholar
Didier Fokwa
  • Didier Fokwa
  • Mechanical Laboratory, University of Douala, Cameroon.
  • Google Scholar
Gilbert Tchemou
  • Gilbert Tchemou
  • Mechanical Laboratory, University of Douala, Cameroon.
  • Google Scholar
Evrard Maxime
  • Evrard Maxime
  • Laboratory of Building Materials, University of Liège, Belgium.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 22 October 2019
  •  Accepted: 08 January 2020
  •  Published: 31 May 2020

Abstract

This study is based on the use of palm kernel shells as aggregate in the manufacture of concrete. Several (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) substitutions were used in the volume fraction of the aggregates. In order to evaluate the effect of this substitution, the mechanical properties at 7 and 28 days for compression was determine, 28 days for bending and then the physical properties of fresh and hardened concrete are carried out. The results show that 25% replacement of aggregate at 28 days have the compressive stress of the reference concrete (which is about 41 Mpa). At 100% replacement, the resistance becomes very low (about 5.37 Mpa). However with 50% replacement, a reduction of the weight of the concrete is important (around 2000 kg/m3). It can at this level be classified as light weight concrete. Concerning the workability, between 25 and 50% of substitution allows obtaining the class 2 consistency, while between 75 and 100% in class 1, results corroborates the high rate of absorption of shells.

Key words: Palm kernel shells, concrete, workability, mechanical properties, physical properties.