AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CEMENT USING MICRO SILICA AND FLY ASH IN PRODUCTION OF COCONUT SHELL CONCRETE

Replacement of conventional methods with appropriate alternatives has been the current addition to the research and development in obtaining a greater sustainable future. The cost of the materials tends to be a major obstacle in the construction industry necessitating the development of low cost effective material. Reutilizing the waste, given the rate of production, is considered the optimal solution to all the problems. This paper reports the experimental investigation of using crushed, granular particles of coconut shell replacing the conventional coarse aggregates in the concrete matrix. In addition to this control concrete, micro silica and fly ash fibers were added replacing the cementitious material in the coconut shell matrix at respective percentiles. Enhancement of durability and efficiency of the replaced specimen is monitored under various characteristic loads. The cement is replaced at 5, 10, 15 and 20%, and the strength variations are studied and graphically plotted. Addition of high-volume fly ash in concrete matrix has been th current trend in developing a sustainable concrete and more efficient than conventional concrete used. This study reflects as a pivotal point in utilizing the waste generated and attaining durable product by suitable replacements.