Use of Coconut Shell as an Aggregate in Concrete: a Review

Now-a-days, the rising cost of building materials for construction purposes is a factor of great concern. The price of building materials is rising day by day. Now, most of the researchers are paying much attention on the suitable materials which can reduce the cost of construction as well as increase the strength properties of concrete. Mainly gravel and sand are used in the preparation of conventional concrete. While the use of an agricultural by-product i.e. coconut shell as a partial replacement with conventional coarse aggregates is expected to serve the purpose of encouraging housing developers in building construction. Environmental impact can also be reduced by making sustainable use of this waste. The coconut shell aims to prepare light weight concrete which may reduce considerably the self-load of a structure and permits large precast units to be handled. The coconut shell is more resistant to acidic, salty and alkaline attack. The characteristic properties of concrete such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, impact resistance, bond strength using the mix made by replacing coarse aggregates with coconut shell were reviewed in this paper.