CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.2 statement of the problem

This study aim to evaluate the effectiveness of coconut shells as a partial replacement

of coarse aggregates and falcata sawdust ash as cement additive. It seeks to answer the

following questions:

1. What are the compressive strength of concrete paver block using coconut shells as

partial replacement of coarse aggregates to 0%,5%, 10% and 20% with Falcata sawdust

ash as cement addtives to 0% and 10%?

2. What are the physical and chemical properties of coconut shells as to specific gravity,

(to be specific)?

3. What are the physical and chemical properties of falcate sawdust ash as to specific

gravity,( to be specific)?

1.3 objective of the study

The primary objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of coconut shells as

partial replacement of coarse aggregates and Falcata sawdust ash as cement additives

1. To Determine the compressive strength at certain curing time (7 days , 14 days, and

28days) with respective ratio of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 20% of partial coarse aggregates

replacement and 0% and 10% cement additives.

2. To determine the physical and chemical properties of crushed coconut shells.

3. To determine the physical and chemical properties of falcate sawdust ash.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents relevant literature that examines crashed coconut shells as a

partial replacement of coarse aggregates and falcata sawdust ash as additives of cement. This

review forms the foundation for determining the suitable methodologies and experiments for

the current research.

2.1 Concrete Paver Blocks

As per ASTM C936, Concrete paver blocks are precast units designed for various

applications, including driveways, paths, and public areas, characterized by their interlocking

features that enhance stability and load distribution. A concrete Paver Block typically measures

200mm (7.87 inches) in length, 100mm (3.94 inches) in width and 60mm (2.36 inches) in height.

Mandal (2023), described concrete paver block as versatile, aesthetically attractive,

functional, cost-effective, and low-maintenance when properly manufactured and placed.

Paver blocks can accommodate different traffic categories, from non-traffic to very heavy

traffic, making them versatile for both residential and commercial use. Additionally, they can

be produced using recycled aggregates, promoting sustainability in construction practices.

According to (Hamza et al. 2024), Paver blocks (PB) play a pivotal role in various

construction and infrastructure works providing aesthetically and durable pleasing surfaces for

various applications such as pavements, walkways, and driveways.

According to Jagarapu et al. (2020), Coconut shells represent a significant source of

pollution in the form of agricultural waste. However, these shells have found application in the

construction industry as a coarse aggregate for concrete, offering an eco-friendly and cost-

effective material option. This study investigates the strength characteristics of concrete

produced using crushed coconut shells as a substitute for traditional coarse aggregate. The

research examines concrete mixtures with 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% replacement of coarse

aggregate with coconut shells.

According to Apeksha and Sarvesh K. (2017), discovered that compressive strength

decreases with increasing amount of coconut shells. The results showed that with 40%

replacement of conventional coarse aggregate by coconut shell, compressive strength reduced

by 62.6% after 7 days of curing, but only 21.5% after 28 days. However, 40% replacement

lightens the concrete by 7.47%. The results indicated that, while there is an increase in cost due

to the additional cement requirement, the benefits are numerous, including efficient use of

waste coconut shell and reduction in natural resource depletion, making the use of coconut

shell in concrete a practical choice.

Olanipekun et al. (2006), investigate the strength characteristics of granular coconut

and palm kernel shells as substitutes for conventional coarse aggregate in gradation of 0%,

25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. They observe that the compressive strength of the concrete

decreased as the shells increased. However, coconut shells exhibited a higher compressive

strength than palm kernel shell. The study was concluded that the coconut eggshells are more
suitable than kernel shells when used as substitute for conventional aggregates in concrete

production in the two mix proportions.

Rajeevan (2020), examined the compressive strength using cube, cylinder and beam specimens

respectively. They used in proportion of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 35% to replace

coarse aggregate in conventional concrete. It was observed that 15% coconut shells aggregates

was obtained the compressive strength comparable to the conventional concrete. The study

established that coconut shell aggregate can replace conventional coarse aggregate in the

production of lightweight concrete structures effectively without compromising on strength

aspects.

Kumar et al. (2020), examined the workability and strength properties of coconut shell concrete

compared to conventional concrete. The study found that coconut shell offers better workability

due to its smooth surface on one side and the specific sizes used in the research. The density of

coconut shell concrete after 28 days of curing ranged from 1960 to 1990 kg/m³, which falls

within the classification of structural lightweight concrete, as it remains below 2000 kg/m³.

Bhoj S. et al. (2023) explored the potential of using coconut shells as a partial replacement for

coarse aggregates in M30 grade concrete. The study involved replacing coarse aggregates with

coconut shells at varying percentages (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%). It was observed that

the workability of the concrete improved with increasing percentages of coconut shells, likely

due to the smooth surface on one side of the coconut shell. Additionally, the lower specific

gravity of coconut shells contributed to a reduction in the density of the concrete, with a 7%

decrease noted at a 15% replacement level when compared to conventional concrete. However,

the 28-day compressive strength of concrete with 15% coconut shell replacement showed a
24% reduction in strength compared to the conventional mix. The findings suggest that

concrete can be produced with acceptable performance characteristics when coconut shell

aggregates replace natural aggregates at an optimal level of 15%.

Azunna, S. U (2018), highlighted that coconut shell is a widely available agricultural

waste in many tropical countries, presenting potential for sustainable use in construction. The

study emphasized the importance of understanding the mechanical properties of coconut shell

aggregate to ensure its effective application in concrete. The research investigated the impact

of replacing both fine and coarse aggregates with coconut shells at varying levels (10%, 20%,

and 30% by weight) in a concrete mix designed to achieve a characteristic strength of 30 MPa.

Compressive strength tests were conducted on cured concrete samples at 7, 14, and 28 days to

assess their performance. The findings indicated that increasing the proportion of coconut shell

aggregate led to improvements in workability and water absorption. However, a higher

replacement percentage resulted in a decline in the mechanical properties of the concrete,

suggesting that while coconut shell aggregate can enhance certain aspects of concrete

performance, its structural strength may be compromised at higher replacement levels.

2.3 FALCATA SAWDUST ASH

According to Olaiya, B. C et al. (2023), the improper disposal of wood waste poses

significant environmental concerns, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and

harm to aquatic and organic ecosystems. Additionally, their study demonstrates that structural

concrete with compressive strengths exceeding 20 MPa can be produced by partially replacing

5–17% of sand with sawdust or substituting 5–15% of cement with sawdust ash. Furthermore,
incorporating sawdust at levels between 10% and 30% of the sand content in brick and block

manufacturing can result in products with compressive strengths above 3 MPa. The study also

finds that sawdust has the potential to make construction composites that are strong, absorb

water, and have an elastic modulus that meet international standards. Additionally, these

sawdust composites are intriguing due to having hushed heat conductivity, a prominent sound

absorption, as well as efficient sound wadding. The study concludes that increasing the use of

sawdust in construction can mitigate environmental pollution while reducing disposal costs.
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