Regression Based Performance Analysis of Composite Light Weight Concrete

Abstract

Low cost sustainable structural green concrete produced using lignocellulosic waste (coconut shell) and industrial waste (ground granulated blast furnace slag) was investigated in this study. Various cost effective pre-treatments were carried out on coconut shell such as cold water extraction, hot water extraction and lime water extraction to remove the extractives (hemicelluloses, phenols). This primarily enhances the interface bond strength leading to increased strength of concrete. Workability and compressive strength of the concrete incorporating untreated and pre-treated coconut shell was investigated systematically. Hot water extraction of coconut shell proved to be an effective method to improve the compressive strength of concrete when compared to other pre-treated coconut shell concrete mixes tested in this study. Among the various concrete mixes investigated a maximum compressive strength of 27.0 MPa was achieved using hot water extracted coconut shell incorporated concrete composites.