International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 09 | Sep 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Feasibility of Using Waste Coconut Shells as a Partial Replacement for Coarse Aggregates in Concrete Bhavik Bharatbhai Joshi1, Deepali Borade2 Lecturer, Dept. of Diploma Civil Engineering, Laxmi Institute of Technology, Sarigam, Gujarat, India Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Laxmi Institute of Technology, Sarigam, Gujarat, India -------------------------------------------------------------------------***-------------------------------------------------------------------------Coconut shells are durable, lightweight, and weatherAbstract— The increasing demand and rising cost of resistant due to their high lignin content, making them an attractive alternative aggregate. Their relatively low cellulose composition also reduces water absorption compared to other agricultural wastes. Thus, their incorporation into concrete may help address both waste management and resource depletion challenges.
natural aggregates, coupled with the adverse environmental impact of quarrying activities, has encouraged the search for sustainable alternatives in concrete production. This study evaluates the potential of waste coconut shells (CS), an abundant agricultural byproduct, as a partial substitute for conventional coarse aggregates. Concrete mixes were prepared by replacing granite aggregate with coconut shells in proportions of 5%, 10%, and 20% (by weight), and compared against a control mix without replacement. The primary parameter investigated was compressive strength, assessed on standard cube specimens (150×150×150 mm) after 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. Results showed that increasing CS content led to a reduction in compressive strength. However, the 5% replacement mix achieved strength values comparable to normal concrete, indicating its potential for structural applications with low to moderate loads. Higher replacement levels produced lightweight concrete suitable for non-structural works. This research highlights the dual benefits of sustainable waste management and eco-friendly construction practices.
This study investigates the mechanical performance of concrete mixes incorporating coconut shells as partial replacements (5%, 10%, and 20%) for conventional coarse aggregates, with a particular focus on compressive strength.
II. LITERATURE REVIEW The incorporation of agricultural wastes into concrete has been widely studied as part of sustainable construction practices. Research has particularly examined oil palm shells and coconut shells as lightweight aggregate substitutes. Olanipekun et al. reported that both palm kernel shells and coconut shells can be used successfully in lightweight concrete, with coconut shells exhibiting favorable strength characteristics. Adeyemi confirmed the suitability of coconut shells in concrete production, while Olutoge and Abdullah studied combinations of wastes such as sawdust, palm kernel shells, and rice husk ash, emphasizing their contribution to eco-friendly construction materials.
1.INTRODUCTION Concrete remains the most utilized construction material worldwide, forming the foundation of infrastructure and building projects. Its primary ingredients include cement, water, fine aggregate, and coarse aggregate. The largescale extraction of natural aggregates from quarries not only escalates construction costs but also causes significant environmental concerns such as loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and landscape degradation.
Overall, previous studies agree that coconut shells offer promising potential as a partial aggregate replacement. However, determining the optimum percentage for practical applications requires further experimental validation, which forms the basis of the present study.
At the same time, rapid urbanization and population growth contribute to a significant increase in agricultural waste generation. Coconut shells, a byproduct of the coconut industry, are produced in large volumes, particularly in tropical regions. In most cases, they are discarded or incinerated, leading to waste disposal issues and environmental pollution.
III. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY A. Materials
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