Characterization and performance evaluation of coconut shell concrete  with alccofine supplements

The development of a country's infrastructure relies heavily on the use of cement concrete as the major building material. The aggregate represents a substantial amount of the total volume of concrete. However, the continuous exploitation of granite rock to obtain coarse aggregate adds to the growing demand for natural resources among future generations. The cement industry significantly contributes to global warming due to its substantial carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Reducing the consumption of cement in concrete, while maintaining its essential features, might lead to a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly advancement of the construction sector. This study explores the use of agricultural waste coconut shell as a replacement for traditional aggregate in concrete, resulting in the creation of lightweight coconut shell concrete. The alccofine- 1101 consists of ultrafine particles that have a unique composition, which improves the pozzolanic and hydration processes in concrete. Cement was supplemented with Alccofine substitutes, which varied in proportion from 5% to 15%. The findings indicated that substituting 10% of alccofine improved the workability and strength characteristics of the lightweight coconut shell concrete. Utilizing a blend of coconut shell and alccofine in concrete would represent the most ecologically conscientious choice within the construction sector.