Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Waste as Partial Coarse Aggregate Replacement for Concrete Hollow Blocks

Concrete hollow block is a vital component in construction industry because of its affordability, strength, and convenience. However, the excavation of conventional coarse aggregates devastates the surroundings with massive contributions to environmental pollution. Thus, a viable replacement using agricultural wastes as an aggregate to concrete hollow blocks could lessen its impact to the environment. The research aimed to identify the potentiality of coconut shells and coir fiber as partial coarse aggregate replacement to concrete hollow blocks in terms of compressive strength, water absorption rate, workability, and economic value. A nominal mix design was applied by the researchers in the production of cylindrical specimens having two curing days, 14 and 28, with proportions amounting to 0 % (conventional), 15%, 30% and 45% coconut shell and coir fiber. Results showed that all the cylindrical specimens passed the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards specifically in non-load bearing concrete. However, the increasing coconut waste proportions increased the water absorption rate while decreasing the compressive strength and workability. In addition, total cost of production was reduced when coconut shells and coir fiber were used compared to the expenses required in the conventional concrete. The findings prove to be useful in both construction and agricultural industries by proving the viability of an agricultural waste, coconut shell and coir fiber, as partial coarse aggregate replacement in making concrete hollow blocks.

Keywords –aggregate, ASTM, coconut shell, coir fiber, concrete hollow blocks