ABSTRACT:
Coconut tree has always been in construction as coco-lumber is an expensive formwork material. The study of coconut shell as a substitute for aggregates is another way of using the gifts a coconut tree provides.
The shell of the coconut is mostly used as an ornament and as a source of activated carbon from its charcoal the powdered shell is also used in the industries of plastics, glues, and abrasive materials.
The aim of this research is to test the coconut shell whether it can be used as a substitute for the aggregates in mixes proportioning of the cement. Moreover, quarrying of aggregates in the rivers and mountains causes several environmental issues. This can be a new substitute for aggregates like the coconut shell and can preserve the nature. The coconut shell from its physical aspects yields strength than of the wood. The moisture absorption of the shell is also noted because it well stands absorption of water. Therefore, the absorption of water in the concrete will not affect its strength since lesser voids can be formed.
The study of coconut shell will not only provide new material for construction but also will help the preservation of the environment and can also help the economy by providing new use for the coconut shell.
Providing new use for the coconut shell may also help economically because we are recycling the maybe called waste by copra’s and providing new works for those in the coconut industries.
The research is an experimental type of study. Gathering the vital data thru experimentation is a major method the research will use. Many aspects of research involve testing the aggregates for different kind of set-ups. Physical properties can be tested using observation of the research as it behaves and chemical properties are done thru the parameters set by laboratory analysis. Analyzing and evaluating the patterns of the data of the experimentation results can be used to determine whether the specimen is achieving its set goal of having the same capability of its normal counterpart. Pattern provided by the data or the information obtained thru experimentation like tensile and compressive strength of concrete can be graphed against the time it takes to achieve the highest strength. Another way is plotting the strength against the size and shape of the coconut shell. Observing the patterns shown by the graphs and the data is a great way of interpreting data and achieving the aim of the researcher.Comparison of the data obtained and the other data from other works is also a way of getting facts about the researcher. Observing how others achieve or how they obtained such data is important to be able to have new and better way of testing the research. Many material have been tested as substitute to rock aggregates, example are rubber tires. Experimentation is the main sources of data. Data acquired from experimentation is the interpreted thru discussion and observing the patterns. Coconut shell has different properties and determining if the physical and chemical properties of the aggregate are suited for construction is known thru experimentation.Testing the samples using Universal testing machine will yield the compressive strength of the concrete. These tests will be done using different age of cured concrete, different sizes of aggregates. These experiments provide ideas on how the research can be prepared. Different mixes of aggregates and how to obtain its ultimate strength.Sampling procedure includes an amount of the shell aggregate and testing it. Using other mixes of the sample can provide different information like different characteristics of the coconut shell. The coconut paste can coat a smaller size of aggregate better than that of larger size aggregate. Mixing different sizes at a random size and plotting the results is another way of obtaining data.Here are some procedures in preparing for coconut shell.Cleaning the shell from its husk and other materials that are not needed and that will only cause moisture absorption thus creating voids when concrete mixture hardens. Sun drying the shell is needed to make sure biodegradable materials decay before it is mixed with concrete. Breaking the coconut shell into the aggregate size needed, about ¾ of an inch, for standardization of the experiment. Sieving the pieces to get an accurate size for the experiment. Mixing the shell with the cement and sand mixture. Using standard mixing apparatus, a class concrete is mixed for standardization of the experiment. A controlled volume of coconut shell is tested with intervals 10%, 25% and a test specimen with 100% of total aggregate mixed with rock aggregate. Curing of the specimen for 7, 21 and 28 days to get a variable data. and Testing the specimen for compressive strength
