PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PALM KERNEL SHELL ASH-AUTOAERATED SANDCRETE BLOCKS

Abstract

Palm kernel shell ash (PKSA) is the remain from burnt palm kernel shells and it has pozzolanic properties. This research investigates PKSA as partial replacement of cement in autoclave aerated sandcrete blocks (AASB) production in developing nations like Nigeria where housing is still under pressure from rapid urbanization. Sandcrete blocks is still the most popular walling material in building construction. With the increase in price of cement as the major issue, alternative partial replacement of cement with PKSA which Nigeria is the highest producer of palm fruit in Africa as the replacement. This research consists of two main parts. First, purchase commercially produced sandcrete blocks from local manufacturers. Secondly, production of AASB with PKSA, replacing 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% of cement with PKSA and aluminium powder. Microstructural and mineralogy analysis with techniques like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) were carried out. Mechanical tests were carried out to measure compressive strength and density after different curing times—7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The results show that the maximum strength from the commercially produced sandcrete blocks which was obtained at 28 days is 0.74N/mm2 while the maximum strength of AASB with PKSA was achieved at 28 days is 2.1553N/mm2. This clearly shows that AASB with PKSA has better strength. This demonstrate that the AASB's performance can be further optimized to meet or surpass the necessary standards, even though the compressive strength values of the laboratory-produced blocks were slightly below the British Standard's 2.5 N/mm2 minimum requirement.