Lightweight Self-compacting Concrete Incorporating Oil Palm Shell

This paper presents the results of an experimental research on the fresh concrete properties, density, compressive and tensile strength of lightweight self-compacting concrete (LWSCC) incorporating oil palm shell (OPS) as coarse aggregates. Three aspects of fresh concrete properties including passing ability, filling ability and segregation resistance of the mixtures have been investigated experimentally and tests were carried out in accordance with the procedures stated in European Federation of National Associations Representing for Concrete (EFNARC) guidelines. LWSCC with OPS as aggregates fulfils the fresh concrete properties requirements of the EFNARC guidelines. In this study, the compressive and tensile strengths have also been compared with granite based self-compacting concrete (SCC). It is observed that OPS based SCC achieved comparable compressive strength with granite based SCC. This research provides basic framework to develop mix design of lightweight self-compacting concrete by using OPS as aggregates. Other properties such as durability and fire resistance of the developed concrete are not considered in the present study and are recommended for future research. The experimental studies show that LWSCC, with the use of OPS as full replacement to normal weight aggregates (NWA), is potentially a sustainable alternative construction material. Its use also provides a cleaner and more beneficial solution in OPS disposal for oil palm industry. This research demonstrated that OPS can be successfully used to develop lightweight self-compacting concrete. This research will benefit the oil palm industry and the environment as a whole.