AGRICULTURAL PALM OIL WASTES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF STRUCTURAL LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE

This study presents the results of the experimental program conducted on concrete containing natural and the Palm Oil Clinker (POC) aggregates. Palm oil industries produce a huge amount of wastes which are unremarkably cast away in landfills. Such wastes and disposing method negatively impact the environment and consume land resources. Managing such wastes for use in concrete manufacturing will be beneficial for both the environment and economy. In this study, the ACI 211 procedures for mix proportioning were followed. Concrete specimens were cast, cured and tested for their densities, compressive strength and water absorption. Test results reveal an enhancement in the compressive strength and water absorption at a replacement level of 25%. A decrease in the compressive strength and an increase in the water absorption were noticed for all other percentage replacements. Compressive strength and density in the ranges 26.2 N/mm2 to 41.6 N/mm2 and 1821 kg/m3 to 2214 kg/m3 at 28 days, respectively were obtained. This indicates that POC concrete can be used as structural lightweight concrete at full replacement level. Partial replacement of POC not exceeding 25% can be used to increase strength and improve durability in normal and high-performance concrete.