Experimental Investigation on Lightweight Concrete Slabs
J. Selwyn Babu1, J. Rex2

1Dr. J. Selwyn Babu, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, MREC (A), Hyderabad (Telangana), India.
2Dr. J. Rex, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, MREC (A), Hyderabad (Telangana), India.
Manuscript received on 09 February 2019 | Revised Manuscript received on 22 February 2019 | Manuscript Published on 04 March 2019 | PP: 502-506 | Volume-7 Issue-5S2 January 2019 | Retrieval Number: ES2091017519/19©BEIESP
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Abstract: The popularity of Lightweight Concrete (LWC) is due to its least density factor and high insulation capability. Use of LWC can diminish the null load of structural members significantly. The rise in the price of civil construction materials, depletionand environmental exploitation has set an alarm for an alternative material. In this study, the normal coarse particulates (CA) was replaced by coconut shell (CS). Since specific gravity of both the materials is different the replacement was done on the volume basis. The properties of coconut shell material which is available in surplus amount and concrete ingredients were studied. Coconut Shell used in concrete has high effectuality on account of its flat surface on one side. In this paper, a study has been made on the flexural performance of lightweight concrete slabs. Slab specimens of size 1300 x 500 x 70mm were designed and casted for various replacement ratios (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) of CS. Four point loading test was performed on slabs and parameters such as ultimate moment capacity, ductility factor, energy absorption, stiffness, and cracking pattern were observed.
Keywords: Light Weight Concrete, Coconut Shell, CA Replacement, Four Point Load Test.
Scope of the Article: Concrete Structures