BOND AND FLEXURAL STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS OF PARTIALLY REPLACED SELF-COMPACTING PALM KERNEL SHELL CONCRETE

Abstract

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is an innovative concrete that has helped in overcoming challenges associated with vibrated concrete such as congested reinforcements, noise from vibrators, and cost of hiring vibrators. This research examined the bond strength between partially replaced Self Compacting Palm Kernel Shell (SCPKS) concrete and high yield reinforcing bars wherein the granite content of the concrete was replaced by 50% of palm kernel shell (total replacement disintegrated on removal of mould). SCPKS concrete specimens of mix ratios 1:2:4, 1:1.5:3 and 1:1:2 were produced and cured for 7 days, 21 days and 28 days at water to cement ratio (w/c) of 0.5 and 0.6 respectively. Flow, bond strength, and flexural tests were conducted on the samples. The highest bond strength was recorded for mix ratio 1:1:2 at w/c of 0.5 when tested at 28 days with a value of 5.56 N/mm2. This value is 0.072% higher than the 28th day strength of 5.52 N/mm2 for SCC without replacement of the granite content. Also, the highest flexural strength was recorded for mix ratio 1:1:2 at w/c of 0.5 when tested at 28 days with a value of 6.88 N/mm2. It was concluded that palm kernel shell can be safely used for partial replacement in SCC.