Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science Studies (JMESS)

ISSN: 2458-925X
Vol. 2 Issue 11, November - 2016

Investigation Of The Effect Of Palm Bunch Ash

On Concrete Properties.
Amaziah W. Otunyo1 and Alison G. Azuma2
Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology
Port Harcourt, Nigeria
E-mail: [email protected]
2
journeyavenger@gmail

Abstract – The effect of Palm Bunch Ash (PBA) wide to the greenhouse gas emission is estimated to
on concrete properties was investigated. The be about 1.35 billion tonne annually or about 7% of
investigation studied the effect on compressive, the total greenhouse emissions to the earth’s
flexural, split tensile strength, setting time and atmosphere [3].
workability of concrete if Ordinary Portland
Fly ash, rice husk ash, palm oil fibre ash, palm
Cement (OPC) was replaced with 0%, 5%, 10%,
kernel shell ash, granulated blast furnace slag and
15%, 20% and 25% PBA. Concrete specimens
silica fume are some of the materials that have been
were prepared with a mix aggregate of 1:2:4 and
deployed in experiments to investigate possible
water/cement ratio of 0.6. The concrete samples
quantities that could replace cement while still
were cured for 7 and 28 days respectively.
retaining strength and other properties. Palm Bunch
Compressive, flexural and split tensile strength
Ash is an agro-waste generated from the Palm Oil
decreased as the content of PBA was increased.
Industry. It is obtained by the combustion of the palm
At 5% PBA the workability decreased as the
fruit bunches The raw materials in the form of fresh
content of PBA was increased, while the setting
fruit bunches are supplied to the palm oil industry and
time increased as the PBA content was increased.
its process produces a large amount of solid waste
For all the parameters tested, the significant effect
materials in the form of fibres, shells and empty fruit
started occurring at between 10-15% PBA. At 15%
bunches [4].
PBA, the PBA starts acting as retarding agent in
concrete. At 5% PBA content, a savings in cost of Production of palm oil from palm fruit is a major
about 2.2% is achievable per m3 of concrete. occupation in tropical climate countries. Indonesia and
Malaysia together are said to be the largest producers
of palm oil, that is, nearly 55,800MT of annual
production. Palm oil trees are abundant in the Niger
Keywords-Palm Bunch Ash, Cement, Delta and in some other southern states in Nigeria.
Compressive Strength, Flexural Strength, Split However, it is important to mention that Indonesia and
Tensile Strength, workability, setting time. Malaysia actually obtained the first palm seedlings
from Nigeria.
The palm oil tree is an economic tree as a result of
1. INTRODUCTION the following:
The demand for cement world-wide is on the (a) The palm kernel seeds are used in the soap
increase. The cost of cement is also rising daily. manufacturing industry.
Concurrently with the rapid expansion of construction
activities, housing and other buildings, and at the (b) The tree and the palm kernel bunches are used
same time the rising cost of production with serious in the manufacture of foot mats.
shortage of construction materials that will play a © The leaves and trunks are utilized in the weaving
critical role in our long future, the discovery of of baskets in African countries.
alternative building materials that are cheaper and
more readily accessible has become very important (d) Local drinks are obtainable from the tree either
[1]. while still growing or after they have been cut down.
Also cement is among the most energy intensive Even with the above use of the palm oil tree, large
construction materials. To reduce the greenhouse quantities of the palm fruit bunches still remain
effect, some mineral admixtures have been studied as unused thereby constituting an environmental issue in
partial replacement for cement in plain and reinforced terms of how to dispose them.
concrete [1].
The environmental pollution arising from the
The production of one tonne of cement liberates production of cement and the need to reduce the
about one tonne of CO2 to the atmosphere, as a result quantity amount of cement used in the construction
of de-carbonation of the limestone in the kiln during industry is the basis for embarking on this research
combustion of fossil fuel [2]. The contribution of involving waste products that could be harmful to the
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) production world-
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 Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science Studies (JMESS)
ISSN: 2458-925X
Vol. 2 Issue 11, November - 2016

environment. Incorporation of these waste products 2.1 MATERIALS

further leads to the sustainability of the environment.
The following materials were used for the
The PBA is classified as Class F according to experimental work: OPC, palm bunch ash, sand,
ASTM C618 [5]. It is siliceous and aluminous with granite and water.
virtually little or no cementation value, therefore for
2.1.1 Cement
pozzolanic reaction it has to be combined with little
lime [6]. OPC (used was obtained from DANGOTE
INDUSTRIES PLC, Nigeria). The cement properties
Palm Oil Fibre Ash has been successfully used as
conformed to [9] and [10].
an additive in cement construction [7]. [4] studied the
performance of High Strength Concrete using Palm 2.1.2 Palm Bunch Ash
Oil Fuel Ash as partial cement replacement. They
used replacement levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% The PBA was obtained by burning the palm
and 25% on M60 Grade concrete. [1] investigated bunches from a palm oil production factory at ALUU, a
village near CHOBA, the location of the University of
Palm Kernel Shell Ash (PKSA) as partial replacement
in High Strength Concrete. They used replacement Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The palm bunches was burnt
levels of 0%, 25%, and 50%. They concluded as to ashes at the Civil Engineering Laboratory of the
Rivers State University of Science and Technology,
follows:
Nkpolu, Port Harcourt. The PBA was sieved with a
(a) PKSA as a partial replacement of cement in 600 micron sieve.
fresh concrete decreases workability when compared
to control concrete made with PKSA. 2.1.3 Fine Aggregate

(b) the addition of PKSA into the concrete mixture Sand used for the production of concrete is clean
did not improve its ultimate compressive strength for 7 river sand with maximum size of 4.75mm with specific
days curing period, but after 28 days and 56 days, gravity of 2.80. It was obtained from Imo River in
only small increase in compressive strength with Oyigbo near Port Harcourt. The sand particles
conformed to the requirements of [11].
addition of PKSA was observed.
© flexural strength was reduced with increase in 2.1.4 Coarse Aggregate
PKSA content. The coarse aggregate used is granite with an
average size of 10mm and was obtained from Crush
(d) Split tensile Strength was not appreciably
affected by the replacement of cement with PKSA, the Rock Industries, in Ishiagu in Ebonyi State, South
higher the content of the PKSA in the concrete the Eastern, Nigeria.
lower the Split Tensile Strength. 2.1.5 Water
(e) water absorption reduced as the content of Water is an essential ingredient in the production
PKSA increased. of concrete. It actively participates in the chemical
reaction with cement and aggregates. The potable
(f) they recommended that optimum replacement
level of OPC with PKSA occurs at 25% replacement water used for the experiment was obtained from the
level. After 25% PKSA replacement, compressive Civil Engineering Laboratory of the Rivers State
University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu, Port
strength started to reduce.
Harcourt. It was checked and found to be free from
[8], investigated Palm Kernel Husk Ash (PKHA) as acid, organic matters, suspended solids, alkalis and
an admixture (accelerator) between (0-25%) PKHA other impurities which may have adverse effect on the
replacement in concrete. He concluded that the properties of concrete. The potable water conformed
setting time of the concrete containing PKHA to [12].
increases as the PKHA increases, between (0-25%)
PKHA and thereafter the setting time starts to 2.2 METHODOLOGY
decrease as the PKHA increases. The compressive 2.2.1 Mix Proportion
strength of the concrete decreases as the content of
PKHA was increased but remains unaffected after Mix proportioning by weight was used. The cement
25% PKHA. and dried total aggregates ratio was 1:2:4. PBA was
used to replace OPC at replacement levels of 0%,
This study evaluated the effect of PBA on normal 5%, 10%, 20% and 25% by weight. [13] used PKSA
Grade 20 concrete. Properties investigated include: replacement levels of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. The
compressive, flexural, Split Tensile strength, mix proportions of the different mixes are shown on
workability and setting times for 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, Tables 1
20% and 25% PBA replacement in concrete. [1] ,
investigated replacement levels of 0%, 25%, and 50%
on Grade M60 concrete. This study therefore tended
to fill the gap between (0%-25%) replacement levels.
2.0 MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

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 Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science Studies (JMESS)
ISSN: 2458-925X
Vol. 2 Issue 11, November - 2016

Table. 1: Mix Design for Strength the various levels of OPC with PBA replacement at 7
Tests and 28 days respectively, `
Table 2: Summary of the Compressive, Flexural
PBA Coarse and Split Tensile Strengths of the Concrete Cube
Mix Water Cement PBA
Replacem Aggreg Mixes at 7 and 28 days.
Design (Kg) (Kg) (Kg)
ent ate (Kg)
HSCPB
0 4.73 4.12 16.47 0.00 Compressive
A1 Flexural Split Tensile
Strength
HSCPB PBA (%) (N/mm2) Strength Strength
5 4.73 3.91 16.47 0.21
A2
HSCPB 7days 28days 7days 28days 7days 28days
10 4.73 3.71 16.47 0.41
A3 0 20.29 24.59 6 10 2.26 2.55
HSCPB 5 19.25 24.15 5 9 2.12 2.41
15 4.73 3.50 16.47 0.62
A4
10 17.93 22.22 5 8.5 1.98 2.26
HSCPB
20 4.73 3.30 16.47 0.82 15 17.33 20.74 5 8 1.79 2.12
A5
HSCPB 20 16.74 19.11 4 6 1.63 1.84
25 4.73 3.09 16.47 1.03
A6
25 14.96 17.33 4 5 1.41 1.56

2.2.2 Compressive Strength

3.1 Compressive Strength
Ninety (90) cube specimens of
150mmx150mmx150mm each were cast. 3 cubes Fig.1 illustrates the variation of compressive
were cast for each replacement level and cured for 7 strength with PBA content. The compressive strengths
and 28 days respectively. The average value of the at 7 and 28 days, decrease as the PBA content
compressive strength of the three cubes was obtained increases. This can be attributed to the fact that OPC
for each replacement level. The specimens were de- has more bonding strength than PBA. Up to 5% PBA
moulded after 24 hours and cured in a curing tank content, concrete can be produced by mixing 5% PBA
containing water. This was done in accordance with with 95% OPC without experiencing loss of
[14]. compressive strength. Between 0% and 5% PBA
content, values of the compressive strength obtained
2.2.3 Flexural Strength compares favourably with those of Grade 20 concrete.
For the Flexural Strength a test mould of In summary, at 7 days the compressive strength for
100mmx100mmx500mm was used. The test samples the control mix (0% PBA) is 20.29N/mm2, while that at
were cast with different percentages of PBA. Mix ratio (5% PBA) is 19.25N/mm2, while represents a 5%
was 1:2:4 and water/cement ratio of 0.6. They were decrease in strength. For the 28 days compressive
cured for 7 and 28 days. The Flexural Strength test strength, the strength of the control mix (0% PBA) is
was performed according to [15]. 24.59N/mm2, while that at (5% PBA) is 24.15N/mm2,
which represents a 2% decrease.
2.2.4 Split Tensile Strength
Cylindrical concrete cubes of 300mm in height at
50mm diameter using a mix ratio of 1:2:4 were cast
and left to cure for 7 and 28 days respectively. The
test was performed in accordance with [16].
2.2.5 Workability
The workability of the concrete with various
replacement level of OPC with PBA was carried out
using the Concrete Slump Test. Concrete mix ratio
was 1:2:4 and a water/cement ratio of 0.6. The Slump
test was carried out in accordance with [17].
2.2.6 Setting Time
The initial and final setting times for concrete cast
with the various percentages of PBA was determined
in accordance with [18].
3.2 Flexural Strength
3.0 TEST RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS
Fig. 2 shows the variation of the flexural strength
Table 2 is a summary of the compressive, flexural
with PBA content. Generally the flexural strength
and Split Tensile strengths of the concrete cube mix at
decreases as the PBA content increases. Flexural

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 Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science Studies (JMESS)
ISSN: 2458-925X
Vol. 2 Issue 11, November - 2016

strength is 6N/mm2 for (0% PBA), while it is 5N/mm2 at their findings were more porous and possessed a
(5% PBA) content, which represents a 17% decrease. greater specific surface than cement.
The flexural strength at 28 days for (0% PBA) is
10N/mm2, while that at (5% PBA) is 9N/mm2 which
represents a 10% decrease. As explained for the
result of the compressive strength, the primary reason
for the trend of result is that OPC has more bonding
strength than PBA.

3.5 Setting Time

Fig. 5 shows the variation of the initial and final
setting times with the PBA content. Between (0-5%
PBA), the initial and final setting times increased as
3.3 Split Tensile Strength the PBA content was increased. Between (5% - 15%
PBA) there is no increase in the initial and final setting
The variation of the Split Tensile strength with the times. Between (20-25% PBA), the initial an final
PBA content is shown in Fig. 3. setting times increase as the PBA is increased. This is
There is a decrease in Split Tensile Strength as the as result of the fact that the rate of hydration reduces
PBA content increases. Split Tensile Strength is 2.2 as the content of the PBA is increased due to the
6N/mm2 for (0% PBA), while it is 2.12N/mm2 at (5% increase in the amount of silica from the PBA.
PBA) content, which represents a 6.2% decrease. The
Split Tensile strength at 28 days for (0% PBA) is
2.25N/mm2, while that at (5% PBA) is 2.41N/mm2
which represents a 5.5% decrease. As explained for
the result of the compressive strength, the primary
reason for the trend of result is that OPC has more
bonding strength than PBA.

3.6 Chemical Analysis of Palm Bunch Ash

Table 3 is the chemical analysis of the Palm Bunch
Ash. The dominate compound is ---%, followed by ----
%.
3.7 Cost Benefit Analysis for Use of Palm
3.4 Workability bunch Ash
Fig. 4 shows the variation of the workability of Tables 4.1 and 4.2 are the cost benefit analysis
concrete mixed with various percentages of PBA. based on the production of 1m3 of concrete using 0%
PBA and that of 5% PBA respectively. A review of the
The slump test result shows that that the
two tables shows that a cost saving of 2.2% per m3 of
workability decreases as the content of PBA is
concrete can be made while using 5% PBA and 95%
increased. [1], explained that this is due to the fact
cement for concrete production, without losing
that a lesser amount of free water is available in the
compressive, flexural or Split Tensile Strength.
presence of PKSA. The PKSA particles according to

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 Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science Studies (JMESS)
ISSN: 2458-925X
Vol. 2 Issue 11, November - 2016

Table: 4.1: Cost Analysis of 0.038m3 of (d) PBA could be used as an admixture (retarder)
Plain Concrete in concrete production from 20% PBA replacement
ITEM QUANTITY RATE AMOUN level with some strength reduction, which can serve
ITEM NO UNIT
DESCRIPTION REQUIRED (N) T as lightweight concrete.
1.1 Cement 7.88 Kg 34.00 267.92 5.0 REFEENCES
1.2 FA 15.72 Kg 2.00 31.44 [1] Olowe, K.O. and Adebayo, V. R. “Investigation
1.3 CA 31.44 Kg 3.50 110.04 on Palm Kernel Ash as Partial Cement Replacement
in High Strength Concrete”. SSRG International
1.4 Water 6.46 L 0.80 5.168 Journal of Civil Engineering. Vol. 2, No. 4, 2015, pp.
1.5 Workmanship sum - 6000 48-56.
1.6 Overhead sum - 4000 [2] Mccafrey, R. “Climate Change and the Cement
TOTAL
10414.5 Industry”. GCL Magazine, 2001.
68
Contingency (5% of 520.728 [3] Malhotra, V.M. “High Performance, High-
Total Cost) 4 Volume Fly Ash Concrete”. Concrete International.
10935.2 Vol. 24, No. 7, 2002, pp. 390-34.
Overall Total
964
415.541
[4] Swaroopa, R.M. and Tejaanresh, M.
Cost for 0.038m3
2632 “Performance of High-Strength Concrete Using Palm
Oil Fuel Ash”. International Journal of Engineering
Research and Applications. Vol. 5, No. 4, 2015, pp. 8-
Table 4.2: Cost Analysis for 1m3 of Concrete 12.
Containing 5% PBA [5] ASTM C618 -15.-Standard Specification for
Coal Fly Ash and Raw or Calcined Natural Pozzolan
ITEM ITEM QUANTITY
UNIT
RATE
AMOUNT
for Use in Concrete. American Society for Testing of
NO DESCRIPTION REQUIRED (N) Materials. West Conshohocken, PA. 2015.
2.1 Cement 7.49 Kg 34 254.66 [6] Otoko, G.R., Isoteim, F., Chinweike, I.S. and
2.2 PBA 0.39 Kg 10 3.9 Oluwadare, J.O. “Soft Soil Stabilization Using Palm
Oil Fibre Ash”. Journal of Multidisciplinary
2.3 FA 15.72 Kg 2 31.44 Engineering, Science and Technology. Vol. 3, No.5
2.4 CA 31.44 Kg 3.5 110.04 2015, pp. 4954-4958
2.5 Water 6.46 L 0.8 5.168 [7] Awal, A.S.M. and Hussin, M.W. “Some Effects
2.6 Workmanship - sum - 6,000.00 of Durability Performance of Concrete Incorporating
Palm Oil Fuel Ash”. Proceedings of Fifth International
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Conference in Structural Failure, Durability and
10405.20 Retrofitting. Singapore, 1997, pp. 210-217.
TOTAL
8
Contingency [8] Otunyo, A.W. “Palm Kernel Husk Ash as an
(5% of Total 520.2604 Admixture (Accelerator) in Concrete. Nigerian Journal
Cost) of Technology, Vol. 30, No. 3, 2011, pp. 60-66.
10925.46
Overall Total [9] BS 12; 1996 – Specification for Portland
84
Cost for 415.1677 Cement. British Standards Institute, London, United
0.038m3 992 Kingdom.
[10] BS 4450-3; 1978 – “Methods of Testing
Cement. Physical Test”. British Standards Institute,
4.0 CONCLUSION
London, United Kingdom.
The conclusions derived from this study are as
[11] BS 882;1992 – “Specifications for aggregates
follows:
from natural sources for concrete”. British Standards
(a) There is a decrease in compressive, flexural Institute, London, United Kingdom
and split tensile strengths at both 7 and 28 days as
[12] BS 3148; 1980 - “Methods of test for water for
the PBA content is increased. Optimum cement
making concrete”. British Standards Institute, London,
replacement with PBA occurs at 5% PBA replacement
United Kingdom
level.
[13] Ekeocha, N.E. and Agwuncha, F.N.
(b) The workability of the concrete decreases as
“Evaluation of Palm Kernel Shells for Use as a
the PBA content is increased.
Stabilizing Agents of Lateritic Soils”. Asian
© The initial and final setting times increased from Transactions on Basic and Applied Sciences. Vol. 4,
20% PBA replacement level. No. 2, 2014, pp. 1-7.

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ISSN: 2458-925X
Vol. 2 Issue 11, November - 2016

[14] ] BS EN 12390-3 Part 3; 2002. - “Testing [17] BS 12350-2; 2009 – “Testing of Concrete –
Hardened Concrete. Compressive Strength of Test Method for determination of Slump”. British Standards
Specimen”. British Standards Institute, London, United Institute, London, United Kingdom.
Kingdom
[18] BS EN 196-3; 1995 – “Method of Testing
[15] BS EN 12390-5; 2000. – “Testing Hardened Cement. Determination of Setting Time and
Concrete. Flexural Strength of Test Specimen”. British Soundness”. British Standards Institute. London,
Standards Institute, London, United Kingdom. United Kingdom.
[16] BS EN 12390-6; 1983 – “Testing Hardened
Concrete. Tensile Splitting Strength of Test
Specimen”. British Standards Institute, London, United
Kingdom.

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