AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE USE OF GROUNDNUT SHELL AS FINE AGGREGATE REPLACEMENT

Abstract

The suitability of groundnut shell as a constituent material in concrete was investigated by replacing proportions by volume of fine aggregate (river sand) with groundnut shells. Physical properties of cement, groundnut shells and aggregates were determined. Concrete cubes measuring 150x150x150mm were cast. Groundnut shells were used to replace fine aggregate at 0, 5, 15, 25, 50 and 75% replacement levels. The effects of the groundnut shells on the workability of fresh concrete were determined by the slump and compacting factor value tests. Compressive strengths and density values of the concrete cubes were evaluated at 28 days at different percentage replacement levels obtaining a range of values of 34.37, 40.59, 21.33, 17.78, 12.44, 7.56N/mm² and 2402.96, 2533.33, 2349.62, 2215.30, 2121.48, and 1854.81Kg/m³ respectively. Increase in percentage of groundnut shells in the cubes led to a corresponding reduction in densities of the cubes and compressive strength values. At a replacement value of 25% and above, of fine aggregate with groundnut shells; lightweight concrete was produced which could be used where low stress is required. Hence groundnut shells can be used for the production of lightweight concrete.