Effects on Compressive Strength on Using Palm Oil Clinker as Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate in Concrete

With an expanding global population fuelling the need for housing and infrastructure, natural sand is being extracted at an increasing rate. As a result of over-exploration, river sand is in short supply in many parts of the world and the construction industry faces difficulties in achieving targets. This warrants the need for alternatives to river sand to bridge the gap between demand and supply. The present study reveals the use of Palm Oil Clinker, a waste byproduct from palm oil industry, as an alternative material to fine aggregate in concrete production. The primary objective of this study is to conduct compressive strength test on M30 concrete for palm oil clinker replacement proportions of 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 % and 25 % by weight of fine aggregate. The 7 day and 28 day compressive strength tests were conducted on concrete cube specimens to obtain the optimal percentage replacement. The results indicated that the concrete specimens containing up to 20 % palm oil clinker by weight of fine aggregate showed higher compressive strength development than traditional concrete.