EVALUATION OF KERNEL SHELL AS CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR LOW COST HOUSES

The major construction material that cost more are cement and gravel which makes buildings costly. Palm kernel shells are locally available materials which can be used in place of gravel. Previous works on the kernel shell shows that the strength determined have met with the building requirements. Concrete is the most common material used in construction, various research work and experience gained shows that the quality and durability of concrete depend mostly on the properties of its constituent, mix design, method of preparation, curing etc. have their influence on it. Tests results have shown that kernel shell concrete of mix ratio 1:2:4 has average compressive strength of 5.6 N/mm2 at 14days curing while 12.47 N/mm2 at 28days of curing. Palm kernel shell produces a concrete with a lower compressive strength in comparison with normal concrete with gravel. The project in conclusion was a success as it took into consideration the economic status quo of the population. This project help to provide new materials affordable for the low income earners which helps in producing low cost houses and this does not remove the criteria of performance for a material