IRJET- Flexural Behaviour of RC Beam with Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregate by Coconut Shell

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 05 Issue: 06 | June-2018 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
© 2018, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 6.171 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 453
Flexural Behaviour of RC Beam with Partial Replacement of Coarse
Aggregate by Coconut Shell
Tejaswini T. Shinde1, M.V.Nagendra2
1 PG Student, Civil department, Padmabhooshan Vasantraodada Patil Institute of Technology, Sangli,
Maharashtra, India
2 Associate Professor, Civil department, Padmabhooshan Vasantraodada Patil Institute of Technology, Sangli,
Maharashtra, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - The rapid development in construction industry
increasing demand for new innovative material as a part of
construction industry. Coconut is grown in more than 93
countries. India is the third largest, having cultivation on an
area of about 1.78 million hectors. The properties of coconut
shell aggregate concrete are examined and the use of coconut
shell aggregate in construction is tested. Experimentalstudies
are conducted on the effect of coconut shell used in
proportions of 5%,10%,15%,20% and 25% to replace coarse
aggregate in conventional concrete (M20 grade and M30
grade).
As a present scenario research carried out on RC
beams by using coconut shell as coarse aggregate yet not
found. This study will therefore focus on reinforced concrete
beams with partial replacement of coarse aggregate by
coconut shell for M20 and M30 grade concretearecarried out.
Twelve specimen of beam having a size 700 X 150 X 150 mm
were casted. After 28 days they were tested by using UTM of
1000KN under two point loading with shear span of
210mm.Possibility & feasibility of compressive and flexural
strength of coconut shell concrete for cube and beam
specimens are determined respectively. The obtained results
are compared with that of conventional mix.. From study, we
find out the optimum percentage for replacement of coarse
aggregate by coconut shell and we can encourage the use of
these ‘seemingly’ waste products as construction material in
Civil engineering.
Key Words: Coarse aggregate, coconut shell, compressive
strength, flexural strength, conventional concrete.
1. INTRODUCTION
Concrete is the vital civil engineering material. Its
manufacturing involves utilization of ingredients like
cement, sand,aggregate,waterand requiredadmixtures. The
coarse aggregate is the main constituent of concrete mix.
Demand of construction material is increased due to
infrastructural development across the world. That high
demand for concrete in the construction using normal
weight aggregate such as gravel and granite drastically
reduces the natural stone deposits and this has damagedthe
environment there by causing ecological imbalance, there is
a need to explore and to find out suitable replacement
material to substitute the natural stone. Therefore it is
necessary to encourage or research on sustainable material
which will help to use such waste material as construction
material with less cost and safety of structure. The coconut
shell is the agricultural wasteproductandsimultaneouslyits
use in construction material will reduces the environmental
problem of solid.
1.1 Properties of Coconut Shell
Coconut shell has high strength and modulus properties. It
has added advantage of high lignin content. High lignin
content makes the composites more weather resistance. It
has low cellulose content due to which it absorbs less
moisture as compare to other agriculture waste. Coconuts
being naturally available in nature and since its shell are
non- biodegradable; they can be used readily used in
concrete which may fulfil almost all the qualities of the
original form of concrete. [3]
1.2 Coconut Shell Aggregate
Here coconut shells which were collected already broken
into two pieces were collected from local temple or
restaurants, hotels etc.then they are get air dried for five
days approximately at the temperature of 25 to 300C,
removed fibre and husk on dried shells; further broken the
shell into small chips manually using hammer and sieved
through the set of sieve which is shown in fig 1.1.The
material passed through 20 mm sieve and retained on 12.5
mm sieve was used to replace coarse aggregate with CS. The
material passing through 12.5mm sieve was discarded.
Water absorption of the CS was 20 % and specific gravity at
saturated surface dry condition of the material was found as
1.29.
Fig.1.1: Preparation of Coconut Shell
Aggregate
IS Sieves
S
Coconut shell
Hammer
Size<12.5mm
mm
Size>12.5mm

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Teo DCL, Mannan MA, Kurian VJ (2006), haveconstructed
the structure to show the potential use of oil palm shell
(OPS) concrete. In actual project, a small footbridgeof2m in
span and a low cost house with a floor area of 59 m2, both
using OPS concrete were constructed on the campus of
University Malaysia Sabah (UMS).These structures are
located near the coastal area, which has an annual rainfall of
about 2500 mm, air temperatureinthe rangeof23–32°C and
relative humidity of 72–91%. [8]
Dewanshu Ahlawat, L.G.Kalurkar(2010), haveconducted
the experimental study on M 20 grade of concrete with
partial replacement granite bycoconutshell.Fortyfivecubes
were casted and their compressive strengthandworkability
were evaluated at 7, 14 and 28 days. The compressive
strength of concrete reduced asthepercentage replacement
increased. Concrete produced by 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%
replacement attained 28 days compressive strength of
19.71,19.53,19.08,18.91 respectively. These results showed
that Coconut shell concrete can be used in reinforced
concrete construction. Itsutilizationiscosteffectiveand eco-
friendly. [5]
Gunasekaram K, Kumar PS, Lakshmipathy M (2011),
have concluded that CS (coconut shell) concrete has better
workability because of the smooth surface on one sideof the
shells. The air-dry densities of CS concrete of the typical
mixes are within the range of structural LWC (Light Weight
Concrete). The flexural strength of CS concrete is
approximately 17.53% of its compressive strength. The
splitting tensile strength of CS concrete is approximately
10.11% compressive strength. The impact resistance of CS
concrete is high when compared withconventional concrete.
[6]
Payam Shafigh, Mohd Zamin Jumaat,HilmiBinMahmud,
Norjidah Anjang Abd Hamid (2012), have carried out the
experiment by replacing normal weight aggregate by Oil
palm shell (OPS) which is a waste lightweight aggregate
originating from the palm oil industry, which is
approximately 50% lighter than conventional aggregate. In
this study, crushed old OPS was used as coarse aggregate.
Compressive strength under different curing conditionsand
the splitting tensile and flexural strengths were compared
with those of the normal weight granite concrete. The test
results showed that OPS concrete with a compressive
strength in the range of 34–53 MPa has a splitting tensile
strength rang of 2.8–3.5 MPa and flexural strength range of
4.4–7.0 MPa. The sensitivity of compressive strength of OPS
concrete in this study is significantly lower than uncrushed
OPS concrete reported in the literature. The sensitivity of
OPS concrete, under poor curing regime, can be reduced by
decreasing the water/cement ratio, increasing the OPS
content or reducing the cement content. It was found that
there was no substantial difference in 28-day compressive
strength for OPS concretes cured initially for 3, 5 and 7 days.
The28-day compressive, splitting tensile and flexural
strengths of OPS concrete was found to be 38%, 28% and
17%, lower than that of granite concrete, respectively. [7]
Amarnath Yerramala, Ramachandrudu C (2012), have
carried out the experimental investigation on properties of
concrete with coconut shells (CS) as aggregate replacement.
Control concrete with normal aggregate and CS concrete
with 10 - 20% coarse aggregate replacement with CS were
made. Two mixes with CS and fly ash were also made to
investigate fly ash effect on CS replaced concretes. Constant
water to cement ratio of 0.6 was maintained for all the
concretes. Properties like compressive strength,splittensile
strength, water absorption and moisture migration were
investigated in the laboratory. The results showed that,
density of the concretes decreases with increase in CS
percent. Workability decreased with increase in CS
replacement. Compressive and split tensile strengths of CS
concretes were lower than control concrete. Permeable
voids, absorption and sorption were higher for CS replaced
concretes than control concrete. Coarse aggregate
replacement with equivalent weight of fly ash had no
influence when compared with properties of corresponding
CS replaced concrete. [2]
Tomas U. Ganiron Jr (2013), have studied on generating
product using agricultural waste as well develop an
alternative construction material that will lessen the social
and environmental issues. It also paved the way to the
recognition of using coconut shellsandfiberassubstitute for
aggregates in developing concrete hollow blocks.Thispaper
presents the result on the workability and compressive
strength of concrete containing various percentage of
coconut shell content as partial aggregate replacement.
Workability test and compressive strength test were
conducted in accordance to ASTM C136 and ASTM C137
respectively. Results show that replacement of appropriate
coconut shell content able to produce workable concrete
with satisfactory strength. Integration of coconut shell
enhanced the strength of concretemakingitto bethehighest
as compared to conventional concrete mixture. [11]
B.Damodhara Reddy, S.Aruna Jyothy, Fawaz Shaik
(2014), have conducted the experimental investigation on
concrete with different coarse aggregate.The properties of
coconut shell and coconut shell aggregate concrete is
examined and the use of coconut shell aggregate in
construction is tested. The project paper aims at analyzing
flexural and compressive strength characteristics of with
partial replacement using M30 grade concrete. The project
also aims to show that Coconut shell aggregate is a potential
construction material and simultaneously reduces the
environment problem of solid. Beams are casted, tested and
their physical and mechanical properties are determined.
The main objective is to encourage the use of these
“seemingly‟ waste products as construction materials in
low-cost housing. [4]
T.R.M.Nandhini, P.Balamurugan (2016), have concluded
that the project will encourage the use of these harm free

waste products as construction materials in low-cost
housing. In conventional constructions, the cost of the
materials are high and this has necessitated the use of waste
material i.e., coconut shell (cocos nusifera) which is also the
light weight material. Hence in this current scenario this
experimental study of partial replacement of coarse
aggregate finds an effective solution in the reduction of land
fill cost and also reduces the environment pollution. In this
experimental study the partial replacement of coarse
aggregate with 0% to 50% of coconut shell waste collected
from the agricultural farms andhouseswereusedalongwith
the admixture. They are mixed at M30 graded concrete and
the specimens are casted, cured and tested for its
compressive strength & with its result the beams are casted
and tested for flexural strength. The parameters will be
tested for 28 days curing. [9]
T.Subramani, A.Anbuvel (2016), have carried out the
experimental investigation on behavior of reinforced
concrete beam with coconut shells (CS) as coarse aggregate.
Control concrete with normal aggregate and CS concrete
with 0 - 20% coarse aggregate replacement with CS were
made. Two mixes with CS and fly ash were also made to
investigate fly ash effect on CS replaced concretes. Constant
water to cement ratio of 0.6 was maintained for all the
concretes. Properties like compressive strength,splittensile
strength, water absorption and moisture migration were
investigated in the laboratory. The properties of coconut
shell and coconut shell aggregate concrete is examined and
the use of coconut shell aggregate in construction is tested.
The project paper aims at analyzing flexural and
compressive strength characteristics of with partial
replacement using M25 grade concrete. [10]
Ajay Tharwani, Ashish Sablani, Gaurav Batra, Sakshi
Tiwari, Divya Reel, Manish N. Gandhi (2017), have
studied the effect of coconut shell onthestrengthofconcrete
when used in replacement of aggregate. The tests were
conducted on concrete with varying percentage of coconut
shell (5%, 10% and 15%). Data presented include strength
and slump value of concrete. The use of coconut shells can
also help the prevention of the environment and also help
economically. Sun drying shell should be used to make sure
biodegradable materials decay before its mixing with
concrete. It also contributes to sustainableconstruction. The
aim of this paper is to spread awarenessabouttheutilization
of coconut shell as a construction material in civil
engineering. [1]
3. OBJECTIVES
 To study the flexural behavior of RC beam with
partial replacement of coarse aggregate by coconut
shell.
 To prepare mix design for M20 grade and M30
grade concrete.
 Experimental investigationoftheconcretecubeand
beam specimen that are cast with different Coconut
shell content for replacement of coarse aggregate.
 To study the behavior of compressive and flexural
strength of coconut shell concrete.
 To find out the optimum percentage for
replacement of coarse aggregate by coconut shell.
 To study the cost comparison for production of
conventional concrete and Coconut shell concrete.
4. METHODOLOGY
In order to accomplish the objectives, the project work has
been divided into seven major parts. They are:
 The Coconut shell samples are to be collected from
nearby sources located in area.
 Mix design will be prepared for M20 grade andM30
grade concrete according to IS: 10262-2009.
 Test samples will be prepare containing different
proportions ( i.e. 10%,15%,20% and 25%) of
Coconut shell and tested to get optimum strength
with partial replacement of normal weight
aggregate by coconut shell.
 The various tests like Compressive Strength and
Flexural Strength are perform on casted cube and
beam specimen respectively, as per the specified
procedure of IS Codes.
 The obtained results are compared with that of
conventional mix.
 Comparison to be made between these analysis, to
know possibility and feasibility.
 Conclusions will be drawn from the results of
analysis.
5. MATERIALS AND EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
The constituent materials used in this project were
obtained from local sources and these were Pozzolana
Portland Cement (P.P.C), sand as fine aggregate, crushed
granite and coconut shell both as coarse aggregate. Potable
water was used for mixing and curing.
5.1 Concrete
The concrete used for casting was prepared in the
testing laboratory using a hand mix method of concrete.The
concrete was (M20 and M30 Grade) with mix proportion
adopted was (1: 1.432: 3.112) and (1: 1.228: 2.671) with
water to cement ratio of 0.50 and 0.44 respectively. The
material proportions per cubic meter of concrete:

A) For M20 grade concrete:
1) 1193.368 kg/m3 of coarse aggregate (maximum size
20mm)
2) 548.775 kg/m3 of natural river sand (sp.gr =2.608)
3) 383.16 kg/m3 of Pozzolana Portland Cement (P.P.C.)
4) 191.58 liters of water
B) For M30 grade concrete:
1) 1162.998 kg/m3 of coarse aggregate (maximum size
20mm)
2) 543.809 kg/m3 of natural river sand (sp.gr =2.608)
3) 435.409 kg/m3 of Pozzolana Portland Cement (P.P.C.)
4) 191.58 liters of water
5.2 Compressive Strength Test
A) Preparation of Specimens:
M-20 & M-30grade of concrete was designed by I.S 10262-
1982. Batching was done as perthemixproportionswith the
help of electronic weigh balance. Placing and Compaction
was done. The moulds were greased from inside for easy
demoulding. Place the fresh concrete in cubes in 3 layers,
tamping each layer 25 times.Theentrappedairinconcreteis
removed by table vibrator shown in fig.5.1. Concrete cubes
are now kept in curing tank for 3, 7 and 28 days. After 28
days, concrete cubes were removed from curing tank to
conduct tests on hardened concrete by using CTM as shown
in fig.5.1.
Surface Vibrator Compression Testing Machine
(CTM)
Fig. 5.1: Equipments used for compression testing of
cube specimen
B) Results and Discussion:
Compressive Strength: Cubes were placed in Compression
Testing Machine (C.T.M), and load was applied.Thereadings
on display of machine were recorded and compressive
strength was calculated. TheresultsofCompressivestrength
are shown in Table 5.1 and 5.2.
Table 5.1: Compressive Strength of Coconut Shell
Concrete (N/mm2)
M20 grade concrete
Table 5.2: Compressive Strength of Coconut Shell
Concrete (N/mm2)
M30 grade concrete
Fig.5.2: Graph Shows Variation in compressive
strength (28 days) with age for M20 grade concrete
Fig.5.3: Graph Shows Variation in compressive
strength (28 days) with age for M30 grade concrete
Curing
Days
0% CS 5% CS 10% CS 15% CS 20% CS 25% CS
3 14.30 12.25 11.85 11.50 9.85 9.25
7 18.867 16.73 13.60 115.73 13.20 12.33
28 27.80 22.70 20.50 22.83 20.30 19.23
Curing
Days
0%
CS
5% CS 10%
CS
15%
CS
20%
CS
25%
CS
3 14.90 11.80 11.20 11.65 9.60 9.35
7 18.86 17.46 15.43 16.13 13.76 13.20
28 29.83 24.46 23.06 24.73 20.16 19.40
0
10
20
30
40
0% 5% 10%15%20%25%
CompressiveStrength
(N/mm2)
% Of CoconutShell Replacement
For M-30 grade coccrete
3 Day's
7 Day's
28 Day's

From above fig.5.2 and 5.3 it is clear that the compressive
strength holds well up to 15% replacement of coarse
aggregate by coconut shell. The percentage increased above
15% the compressive strength decreases significantly.
5.3 Flexural Strength Test
A) Details of the R.C. Beam:
While reviewing literature of beam come to knew that the
beam size is 700X150X150 mm. As accorded to the IS
(10086-1982) & IS (516-1959) minimum size of specimen
for beam mould is 700X150X150mm.
Fig.5.4: Details of R.C. Beam
B) Casting and curing of specimens:
The wooden beam mould was used for casting the beam
specimens. Before mixing the concrete, the moulds were
kept ready by placing it on horizontal surface. The sides and
bottom of all the moulds were properly greased for easy
demoulding. The concrete was placed in the mould and
proper care was taken for uniform compaction using
tamping rod and surface finish throughout the beam. After
24 hours the specimen is demoulded and is cured for 28
days. Then the beam is dried in air for 12 hours after curing
before the testing.
Fig.5.5: Preparation of Mix and Casting of beam
specimens
C) Testing of specimens:
The beams were cured for 28 days to achieve the
approximate flexural strength and they are tested using the
Universal Testing Machine (UTM) of 1000KN capacity. The
beams are tested as simply supported beam with two point
loads until failure. The load positions were spaced at 210
mm c/c which is one-third of the span. Fig.5.6 shows
Flexural Strength Test on Beam using Universal Testing
Machine (UTM).
Fig. 5.6: Flexural Strength Test on Beam using
Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
Fig. 5.7: Data acquisition on UTM for beam
The flexural strength was recorded in table 5.3 .The flexural
strength is very much dependent on the physical
compressive strength of coarse aggregate. Flexural strength
is equal to 0.7√fck where fck is characteristics compressive
strength of conventional concrete. Therefore similar to
compressive strength, flexural strength also decreases with
increase in CS replacement.

Table 5.3: Flexural strength of M20 and M30 grade R.C.
beam
6. RESULTS
All the 12 number of beams were tested at UTM machine
with capacity of 1000KN and following data were obtained.
Grade of
concrete
Designation
of sample
Load Carried
(KN)
Deflection
(mm)
Avg. load
(KN)
M20
0% CS
B1 71.7 3.38
72.283B2 70.85 3.01
B3 74.30 3.52
M20
15% CS
B4 53.07 2.72
55.74B5 56.40 2.94
B6 57.75 2.96
M30
0% CS
B7 77.60 4.54
76.45B8 72.90 4.32
B9 78.85 4.63
M30
15% CS
B10 59.30 3.24
60.256B11 58.55 3.02
B12 62.92 3.38
6.1 General Result
Graph 6.1: Load Vs DisplacementcurveforbeamB3 M20
grade concrete with 0% CS replacement
Graph 6.2: Load Vs Displacement curve for beam B6
M20 grade concrete with 15% CS replacement
0
20
40
60
80
0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Load(KN)
Displacement (mm)
M20 15%CS
Graph 6.3: Load Vs Displacement curve for beam B9
M30 grade concrete with 0% CS replacement
0
20
40
60
80
0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Load(KN)
Displacement (mm)
M30 15%CS
Graph 6.4: Load Vs Displacement curve for beam
B12 M30 grade concrete with 15% CS replacement
6. CONCLUSIONS
From the data received after all the secession of test
carried out on beam specimens with different replacement
level of coconut shell, the following conclusions are drawn.
 Increase in percentage Replacement of coconut
shell (CS) reduces compressive and Flexural
Strength of concrete.
 Coconut shell can be grouped under lightweight
aggregate as the 28 days air-dry densities of
coconut shell aggregate concrete are less than2000
Grade of
concrete
28 days flexural strength
(N/mm2)
0% CS 15% CS
M20 3.212 2.477
M30 3.397 2.678

kg/m3.Increase in percentage of coconut shell,
decreases densities of concrete.
 Coconut shell concrete (CSC) has betterworkability
because of the smooth surface on one side of the
shells and the smaller size of coconut shell. So we
could possibly use CSC in concretes where high
workability is desirable.
 Lightweight concrete can be prepared by using
coconut shell as coarse aggregate.
 It was concluded that the CSs were more suitableas
low strength giving lightweight aggregate when
used to replace common aggregate in concrete
production especially for M20 and M30 grade
concrete.
 The optimum replacement of coarse aggregate by
coconut shell is obtained as 15%.So that up to 15%
environmental pollution gets reduced.
 Solves problem of disposal of CS that’s why it leads
to sustainable development.
7. FUTURE SCOPE OF PRESENT STUDY
Based on the scope and the results of this research the
following are the recommendation for further investigation.
i. A study of the shrinkage characteristics of Coconut shell
Concrete is recommended.
ii. A long term durability study of Coconut shell concrete
should be investigated.
iii. The study of the development of the micro structure of
the coconut shell concrete is importantinpredictingthelong
term behavior.
iv. The use of coconut shell aggregate as a replacement in
convectional concrete should be encourage in the locality
where it is in abundance to enhance environmental
cleanliness.
REFERENCES
[1] Ajay Tharwani, Ashish Sablani ,Gaurav Batra,
Sakshi Tiwari, Divya Reel, ManishN.Gandhi,“ Study
of Strength of Concrete by Using Coconut Shell “ ,
IJISET - International Journal of InnovativeScience,
Engineering & Technology, Vol. 4 Issue 5, May
2017.
[2] Amarnath Yerramala, Ramachandrudu C,“
Properties of Concrete with Coconut Shells as
Aggregate Replacement”, International Journal of
Engineering Inventions ISSN: 2278-7461, Volume
1, Issue 6 (October2012) PP: 21-31.
[3] Apeksha Kanojia, S.K.Jain, ”Performance OfCoconut
Shell As Coarse Aggregate In Concrete”,A Review
(IRJET ),Vol.02,Issue:04 July-2015.
[4] B.Damodhara Reddy, S.Aruna Jyothy , Fawaz
Shaik,“Experimental Analysis of the Use ofCoconut
Shell as Coarse Aggregate ”,IORS Journal
Mechanical and Civil Engineering(IOSR-JMCE)
Volume 10,Issue 6(Jan. 2014) PP 06-13.
[5] Dewanshu Ahlawat, L.G.Kalurkar,“Coconut Shell as
Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregate in
Concrete”, IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil
Engineering (IOSR-JMCE) Dec.(2010) PP 61-64.
[6] Gunasekaran K, Kumar PS, Lakshmipathy M,”
Mechanical and bond properties of coconut shell
concret”, Const Build Mater 2011;25(1):92–8.
[7] Payam Shafigh, Mohd Zamin Jumaat, Hilmi Bin
Mahmud, Norjidah Anjang Abd Hamid,
“Lightweight concrete made from crushed oil palm
shell: Tensile strength and effect of initial curing on
compressive strength”, Construction and Building
Materials 27 (2012) 252-258.
[8] Teo DCL, Mannan MA, Kurian VJ ,“ Structural
concrete using oil palm shell (OPS) as lightweight
aggregate” ,Turk J Eng Environ Sci 2006;30:251–7.
[9] T. R. M .Nandhini, P. Balamurugan ,”Experimental
behavior of R.C. Beam by the partial replacementof
coarse aggregate using cocos nusifera (Coconut
Shell)“,International Research Journal of
Engineering and Technology (IRJET) Volume: 03
Issue: 04 ,Apr-2016.
[10] T.Subramani, A.Anbuvel,“Experimental
Behavior Of Reinforced Concrete Beams With
Coconut Shell As Coarse Aggregate”, International
Journal of Application or Innovation inEngineering
& Management (IJAIEM)Volume 5, Issue 5, May
2016 ISSN 2319 – 4847.
[11] Tomas U. Ganiron Jr, “Sustainable
Managementof WasteCoconut ShellsasAggregates
in Concrete Mixture “,Journal of Engineering
Science and Technology Review 6 (5) (2013) 7-14.

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