Experimental Studies on the Suitability of Coconut Shell as a Filler Material in Concrete Cubes

Abstract

Globally, the consumption of concrete is raising high. The production of cement raises the carbon footprint and causes depletion of non-renewable resources. Researchers are formulating new technologies to save the resources, energy for the next generations, to reduce disposal problems and to make the product or structure economical. For this purpose, recycled waste and treated natural materials, etc., are used as a substitute for cement, aggregates, or reinforcement. This paper presents studies conducted to analyze the performance of a coconut shell as a filler. The material used in the present study was naturally available, cost-free, and non-toxic material. The strength performance of different concrete cube specimens with coconut shells in their different orientations was assessed by conducting compressive strength tests. From the results, the effective position and orientation of the shell in the concrete cube were found out. © 2021, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.