Structural properties of ground palm kernel shell (GPKS) masonry units
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Date
2021-07-06
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Abstract
The study aims to assess how the partial replacement of sand with Ground Palm Kernel Shell
(GPKS) affects the physical and other properties of masonry units. The experiment showed,
the acceptable GPKS aggregate percentage that can be used for the production of masonry
units, 10% - 30% GPKS aggregate replacement is acceptable for the production of 150mm
thick solid masonry units and 10% - 40% GPKS aggregate replacement is acceptable for the
125mm thick solid masonry units, 150mm and 125mm thick cellular masonry unit. Also it
showed that, the increasing quantity of GPKS aggregate increases the water demand of the
mix and this often increased the porosity and water absorption rate of the masonry unit with
40% GPKS aggregate. Generally, porosity, water absorption and capillary action decreased
with increasing sand quantity and the water absorption rate of the masonry unit with GPKS
aggregate was much slower than that of masonry unit with 0% GPKS aggregate (Control
sample). Again it was revealed that, the increase in water demand was as a result of the
increase in GPKS aggregate which reduced the workability, hence the demand for more water.
Increasing GPKS aggregate content measuring above 30% also reduced the mechanical
properties of 150mm and 125mm solid masonry units with GPKS aggregate type A at the 28
days curing period. The increasing GPKS aggregate content also demand increase in
water/cement ratio. The 40% GPKS aggregate type was seen to have influenced the 28 days
compressive strength of 150mm and 125mm cellular masonry units. In addition, the
compressive strength of all the GPKS aggregate masonry units decreased with the increase of
GPKS aggregate replacement percentages as compared to the control samples (0% GPKS).
With these finding, it was recommended that, GPKS aggregate percentage content of 10% is
optimum as partial replacement for masonry unit production, the grinding of GPKS aggregate
should be controlled in the way that the particle size distribution curve would fall within the
upper and lower limits in relation to standard grading requirement and the best standard sizes
that can withstand all the adverse condition was 150mm and 125mm, both solid and cellular
with GPKS aggregate type B percentage content of 10%, 20% 30% and 40%
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Construction Technology and Management of
the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in Partial
Fulfillment of the requirements for the Award of
Master of Philosophy Building Technology.
Keywords
Cellular Masonry Units, Water absorption, Compressive Strength, Ground Palm Kernel Shell