A Study on the Strength Properties of Concrete Using

Coconut Shell as Partial Replacement of Coarse

Aggregate

Foysal Ahmed* 1, Pavel Ahmed2, Riyaf Ahmed3, Muhammad Rafiul Mahdi4 and
Md. Saiful Islam5
1Post-Graduate Student, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET),
Bangladesh, e-mail: foysalahmedkh@[Link]
2 Student, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Bangladesh, e-mail:

pavelahmedce15@[Link]
3 Post-Graduate Student, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET),
Bangladesh, e-mail: riyafce15@[Link]
4 Post-Graduate Student, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET),

Bangladesh, e-mail: rafiulmahdi02@[Link]

5 Professor, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Bangladesh, e-

mail: msislam@[Link]

Abstract: This study investigates the strength properties of concrete that uses
coconut shell as a partial replacement of coarse aggregate. Coconut shells are
agricultural waste products that are readily available in tropical regions. By
burning coconut shells, toxic gases such as methane and carbon-di-oxide are
released into the atmosphere. The utilization of coconut shells as coarse aggregate
may reduce construction materials cost and save the dumping spaces and reduce
carbon emission. In this study, different percentages of coconut shell aggregates
(CSA) of 2%,5%,8%,10%,12%,15%, and 20% of the weight were used to
partially replace coarse aggregates in concrete. A total number of 144 cubes of
concrete specimens with size (100 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm) were made with
concrete mix proportion of [Link] and the water-cement ratio of 0.50. The
mechanical properties of the samples, including compressive strength and tensile
strength were evaluated at 7, 28 and 56 days. The results show that using coconut
shell aggregates in concrete can result in a slight decrease in compressive
strength. From the test results, it is also seen that around 75% strength of
conventional concrete can be achieved up to 8% replacement of level of coarse
aggregate with coconut shell chips. The findings of this study suggest that
coconut shell aggregates can be used as a partial replacement for coarse
aggregates in concrete production, which can lead to a more sustainable and eco-
friendly construction industry.

Keywords: Concrete; Coconut shell; Compressive Strength; Splitting Tensile

Strength; Sustainable Materials

© The Author(s) 2024

M. Rokonuzzaman et al. (eds.), Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Civil Engineering for
Sustainable Development (ICCESD 2024), Atlantis Highlights in Engineering 34,
[Link]
334 F. Ahmed et al.

1 Introduction

Due to the expanding population and contemporary lifestyle choices, there has been a
rapid escalation in the generation of waste materials, posing a significant challenge for
their proper disposal. Bangladesh has about 2800 hectare (ha) of coconut land, and the
average annual coconut production is about 431,596 ton (T) in 2019. Coconut shell, a
principal bi-product of coconut oil industry produces a significant amount of waste
every year. To minimize the waste, waste materials can be utilized for some
construction purposes. Concrete is widely utilized in construction and requires an
annual output of 10 billion tons, making it one of the most frequently employed
materials. Aggregate comprises of about 70-80% of the volume of concrete , where 40-
50% is naturally available coarse aggregate. Conventional aggregate sources are rapidly
depleting as a consequence of the construction industry's exponential expansion,
leading to a scarcity of resources. Waste coconut shell has the potential to be used as a
partial replacement of coarse aggregate in concrete.
Natural materials such as mud, jute straw, wood, and bamboo have long been used
to build low-cost structures. These products may also be used to construct low-cost
infrastructure. However, the main disadvantage of these materials is that they are all
biodegradable, which means that their strength can deteriorate over time, resulting in a
non-durable structure. As a result, constant supervision is required to ensure the
structure's longevity, which is also one of these materials' drawbacks. However, if
coconut shell is used as a coarse aggregate instead of these materials, most of the
adverse effects would be reduced. Apart from that, using coconut shells in concrete
keeps the cost down, making it more accessible to people from the middle and lower
classes.
Replacement of the conventional coarse aggregates with CSA also has several
environmental advantages. Coconut shells, which are leftovers from the coconut oil
factory, can pollute the atmosphere and clog drainage systems, resulting in a water
clogging problem. As a result, processing these coconut shells in various ways can also
benefit the ecosystem. Using coconut shells with concrete, for example, helps the
environment while still keeping costs down, allowing for low-cost housing and
construction. It can accommodate people from the middle to lower economic classes to
a large degree if sufficient research is done.
Several experimental studies have been conducted by researchers based on variable
constitutive materials and blend proportions. (Olanipekun, 2006) carried out an expense
investigation, and strength attributes of cement delivered using crushed, granular
coconut and palm kernel shell alternative for ordinary coarse aggregate. (Tukiman et
al., 2009) replaced the coarse aggregate with coconut shell and grained palm kernel in
their study. (Ries et al., 2010) observed that lightweight aggregate assuming a
significant part in the present move towards economic concrete. The physical and
mechanical properties of coconut shell and squashed stone with an addition to a sum of
72 solid 3D squares of size 150 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm with various blend proportions
was studied by (Abubakar A. and Abubakar M.S., 2011). Yerramala and
 A Study on the Strength Properties of Concrete Using Coconut Shell 335

Ramachandrudu (2012) found the coarse aggregate to be a part of the way to supplant
by coconut shell and fly ash. (Kukarni et al., 2013) studied that aggregates give volume
effortlessly, including 66 to 78 percent of the solid. (Ganiron Jr, 2013) used coconut
shells and fiber as an alternative for aggregates in creating a solid empty square. (Sai et
al., 2018) conducted a test to examine the consequences for concrete by the expansion
of characteristic coconut fiber and substitution of concrete (by weight) with various
rates of fly ash on flexural strength, parting rigidity, compressive strength, and modulus
of versatility.
Based on the tests conducted by the researchers, it is definitive that coconut shell can
be an effective replacement of the conventional coarse aggregate. Though the strength
may vary compared to the stone or brick aggregates, the global target to omit carbon
production can be enhanced by the use of CSA. The values are taken in this study to
reduce the proportion of conventional coarse aggregates with a view to obtain the most
acceptable compressive strength.

2 Experimental investigation

This study investigates the optimum coconut shell content in concrete with partial
replacement of coarse aggregate. Coconut shell aggregate was added by partial
replacement of coarse aggregate at varying concentrations of 2%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 12%,
15% and 20% by weight. The specimens were named according to their varying
concentration of coconut shell aggregate (CSA) with their shorthand CSA used at first
of the names. The names of the specimens are 2% (CSA-2), 5% (CSA-5), 8% (CSA-8),
10% (CSA-10), 12% (CSA-12), 15% (CSA-15) and 20% (CSA-20).

1.1 Materials properties

In this study, Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) was used as the binding material of
concrete. Various Tests such as standard consistency, initial setting time, final setting
time, fineness and specific gravity test were performed as per BDS EN 197-1:2003.
Table 1 shows the properties of cement used.

Table 1. Test Properties of Cement

Properties Values obtained Standard value

Standard consistency 26.5% -
Initial setting time 140 min >45 min
Final setting time 185 min < 600 min
Fineness 3800 cm2/gm 3500-4000 cm2/gm
Specific gravity 2.98 3.15
336 F. Ahmed et al.

The aggregate test results are depicted in Table 2. CA obtained from crushed stone
having a maximum size of 20 mm was used in the present work. The fine aggregates
were well-graded as per the gradation curve. The gradation curve of coarse aggregate
is exhibited in Fig. 1. The coarse aggregate is also well-graded which can be inferred
from the S-shaped gradation curve. The nominal maximum size of the coarse aggregate
was 19 mm. Potable water was used for each of the mixes. The mix design of the
concrete was done according to ACI 211.R-93 specifications. The water-to-cement
(w/c) ratio was fixed at 0.50 as it is one of the most common w/c ratios used in the field
to produce concrete. To measure the workability of the fresh concrete, a slump test was
conducted for each batch.

Table [Link] Properties of Aggregates

Coarse Coconut Shell

Properties Fine Aggregate
Aggregate Aggregate
FM 2.91 7.3 -
Sp. gravity 2.55 2.6 1.12
Unit wt (loose) - 1345 Kg/m3 694.45 kg/m3
Unit wt (dry
1550 kg/m3 1425 kg/m3 -
rodded)
Absorption capacity 1.05% 0.85% 14.89%
Moisture content - 0.40% -
Shape Round Angular Flaky
Smooth inner surface
Surface Texture - Rough
& rough outer surface
 A Study on the Strength Properties of Concrete Using Coconut Shell 337

Fig. 1. Gradation Curve for fine aggregate

Properties of Coconut Shell. A crushed Coconut shell having a maximum size of 20

mm was used in the study. As coconut shell was used as the replacement of coarse
aggregate, similar coarse aggregate tests were conducted for CSA.

Preparation of Coconut Shell Aggregate. The separation of fibers from the coconut
shell constitutes the initial step in the extraction procedure. Following this, the removed
waste material is systematically subjected to a rigorous cleansing process. In order to
reduce the moisture content of the coconut shells, a specific period of time is thereafter
spent to the drying procedure. Following a fifteen-day drying period, the substance
becomes considerably more brittle. The coconut shells are subjected to a crushing
operation using a crushing machine, as depicted in Fig. 2, once they have attained the
necessary level of dryness in order to acquire unique shapes.

(a) (b)
Fig. 2. Coconut Shell Aggregate (a) collection of raw coconut shell; (b) grinding of coconut shell

In the phase of coconut shell processing, the shells undergo sieving using a coarse
aggregate sieve, with particular attention given to the retention of particles with a size
of 4.75mm, designated as coarse aggregate. A sieve analysis is conducted to ascertain
the gradation of the coconut shells, revealing a gap-graded aggregate. Subsequent to
sieving, various tests are conducted, and the coconut shells are meticulously prepared
for incorporation into cement and fine aggregate. The determination of the unit weight
of coconut shells involves measuring the volume of a cylindrical metal container, filling
it incrementally with aggregate, and employing a tamping bar to compact the material.
The weight of the aggregate is recorded to establish its unit weight.
338 F. Ahmed et al.

(a) (b)
Fig. 3. Tests of Coconut Shell Aggregate (a) Sieve Analysis; (b) Unit Weight of CSA

Additionally, a specific gravity test is performed to assess the strength and quality
of the coconut shells. This involves immersing an aggregate sample in water, removing
entrapped air, and measuring the weight both in water and after drying. The aggregate
is subsequently heated, cooled, and weighed to complete the specific gravity
determination. These comprehensive procedures contribute to a thorough
characterization of the coconut shells for their potential application in construction
materials.

Fig. 4. Specific Gravity Test of Coconut Shell Aggregate

1.2 Test Matrix

The following test matrix had been followed during this study. Here the concrete mix
design was done according to ACI 211.R-93 specifications. All the required
 A Study on the Strength Properties of Concrete Using Coconut Shell 339

constituents of concrete cement, water, fine aggregate , coarse aggregate and coconut
shell aggregate are tabulated in Table 3.

Mix Proportions Control CSA- CSA- CSA- CSA- CSA- CSA- CSA-
Kg/m3 Mix 2 5 8 10 12 15 20
Cement 421 421 421 421 421 421 421 421

Sand 711 711 711 711 711 711 711 711

Coarse Aggregate 1006 985.88 955.7 925.52 905.4 885.28 855.1 804.8
Coconut Shell
0.00 20.12 50.3 80.48 100.6 120.72 150.9 201.2
Aggregate
Ratio water/cement 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50

Table 3. Test Matrix

1.3 Experimental Setup

For the assessment of compressive strengths, cube specimens with dimensions of 100
mm × 100 mm × 100 mm were cast. These specimens were subjected to a curing period
of 7, 28, and 56 days at room temperature while submerged in water. After the curing
period, compressive strength tests and tensile strength test were conducted to evaluate
the mechanical properties of the concrete samples. Additionally, the density of the
concrete was also investigated. The test arrangement and the equipment utilized in this
study are depicted in Fig. 5.
340 F. Ahmed et al.

Fig. 5. Compressive Strength Test

Following the designated curing period, the specimen underwent a compression test,
aiming to assess its crucial property—compressive strength. This property, integral to
concrete evaluation, gauges the material's crush resistance. Compressive strength is
determined by dividing the applied force by the cross-sectional area, usually at a loading
rate between 0.2 N/mm²-s and 0.4 N/mm²-s.

Fig. 6: Tensile Strength Test Setup

The tensile strength of a concrete specimen is determined through a split tension test,
which constitutes an indirect method for evaluating tensile properties. In this procedure,
a true line load is simultaneously applied to both the top and bottom faces of the
specimen. To mitigate high compressive local stresses, a soft material may be inserted
as a narrow strip between the plate and the specimen. While this results in elevated
horizontal compressive stresses at the top and bottom, the presence of a comparable
vertical compressive stress establishes a state of biaxial compression, preventing failure
at three distinct positions. Instead, failure is initiated by uniform horizontal tensile
stresses acting across the remaining cross-section of the specimen. The test involves the
application of a load at a constant rate, incrementing the tensile stress between 0.02 to
0.04 MPa/sec.
 A Study on the Strength Properties of Concrete Using Coconut Shell 341

3 Results and Discussion

The graphs mainly compare results to a control section (0%) in the study, shown in
Figs. 7 to 11. The compressive and tensile strength tests for replacement percentages of
0%, 2%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 12%, 15%, and 20% are then summarized. The compressive
test results for 7 days, 28 days, and 56 days indicate that replacing normal aggregates
with coconut shells decreases compressive strength. Up to an 8% replacement, strength
is good compared to regular aggregates, but it declines at 20% replacement.

Fig. 7. Compressive Strength for Varying Coconut Shell Aggregate Content

The findings indicate that up to an 8% replacement, compressive strengths fall within

75% of the conventional concrete control mix (0%) values for 7, 28, and 56 days.
However, at 20% replacement, the compressive strength decreases to 55% of the
conventional concrete strength. Considering both cost and strength, the optimum value
for compressive strength is achieved at 8% replacement. These results are graphically
presented in Figs. 7 and 8. Specifically, at 56 days, the control mix concrete's
compressive strength is 36.55 MPa, whereas at 8% replacement with coconut shell
aggregates, it is found to be 27.6 MPa. In contrast, a 20% replacement yields a
compressive strength of 20.01 MPa
342 F. Ahmed et al.

Fig. 8. Bar Chart of Compressive Strength for Varying CSA Content

The results of the splitting tensile strength of 7 days, 28 days, and 56 days were both
represented in bar chart and graphical form in Figs. 9 and 10. The figures show the
variation of tensile strength from conventional concrete. There is a tendency of strength
reduction as the percentage of coconut shell increased. The coconut shell percentage is
inversely proportional to the split tensile strength. From the results, we observe that up
to 8% of replacement tensile strengths are within a range of 75% tensile strength of
conventional concrete control mix (0%) for 7 days, 28 days and 56 days.
 A Study on the Strength Properties of Concrete Using Coconut Shell 343

Fig. [Link] Strength for Varying Coconut Shell Aggregate Content

Fig. 10. Bar Chart of Compressive Strength for Varying CSA Content
344 F. Ahmed et al.

Fig. 11. Density of Concrete in Varying Coconut Shell Aggregate Content

As the quantity of substitution of CSA content increased, the density of the concrete
exhibited a notable decrease. The control mix displayed a density of 2340 kg/m³. In
contrast, the concrete mix with an 8% CSA replacement manifested a reduced density
of 2010 kg/m³, while further reduction to 1605 kg/m³ was observed with a 20% CSA
replacement. Fig. 11 visually captures this trend, offering a graphical representation of
the diminishing density associated with increasing CSA replacement levels.
 A Study on the Strength Properties of Concrete Using Coconut Shell 345

4 Conclusions

The objective of this study was to investigate the optimum content of coconut shell in
concrete with the partial replacement of coarse aggregate. Coconut shell aggregate was
added by partial replacement of coarse aggregate at varying concentrations of 2%, 5%,
8%, 10%, 12%, 15%, and 20% by weight. Compressive strength and split tensile
strength were conducted on a total of 144 cube specimens consisting of different
concentrations of CSA. Based on the experimental study, the following conclusions can
be inferred:
 Although the strength of concrete is reduced by partially substituting coarse
aggregate with coconut shell, it remains a viable option for cost-effective
construction endeavours.
 Due to the coconut shells being smaller in size and having smooth round surface
on one side, concrete containing coconut shell exhibits better workability.
 The specific gravity and density of the concrete decreases with an increase in the
replacement of coarse aggregate.
 An approximate of 75% improvement in the compressive and split tensile strengths
of conventional concrete can be obtained by substituting 8% of the coarse
aggregate in the concrete with coconut shell.
 The observed strengths are still well in terms of cost and strength perspective.

Acknowledgement: The present study was conducted within the Civil Engineering department
of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Chittagong. The authors
express their sincere appreciation for the assistance and resources rendered by CUET.
Additionally, the authors express their heartfelt gratitude to Md. Taohidul Islam for his assistance
with this study.

Disclosure of Interests. The authors have no competing interests to declare that are relevant to
the content of this article.

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