Published Paper Details:

A large amount of almond shell is disposed of every year. The anatomical and chemical characteristics of Indian almond shell are investigated in this paper in order to contribute to better utilization of these shells. The object of the study to introduce the type of concrete that is more costly effective when compared to other concretes. The test results of an ongoing study are an attempt to use the low-cost solid waste material almond shell as a coarse aggregate in the production of structural weight concrete. The BS8110 standards specified acceptable limits for the span reflection ratio of lightweight structural concrete and this study shows the AS concrete complies with this. The micromorphology, surface elements, thermal stability, crystallization, chemical composition and relative properties of almond shell are analyzed. The utilization organic waste materials in concrete beneficial factor for environment. Few studies have been conducted on the use of almond shells in concrete and have shown good potential. This study has investigated the properties and the mechanical behavior of almond shells partially replacing the conventional aggregates in concrete. The replacements were 25, 50, and 75%. The almond shells show a uniform grading in its natural state when obtained from local farmers. Since the organic material is highly porous, it tends to absorb much of the water content in the mix which reduces the slump. Furthermore, with a 5% almond shells replacement, the specimens have shown a compressive strength of 17.03 MPa with density of 1850 kg/m3 which is within the limits of the ACI and BS standards and identified as a structural lightweight concrete. Further recommendations for future studies have been identified based on the results of this study. It can be concluded that for lightweight concrete as a structural material, almond shell shows great as a coarse aggregate. This result especially has significance for low-cost applications such as in housing construction.