Interlocking Blocks Containing Oil Palm Ash and Shells Waste

Abstract

This research aims to study the feasibility of using palm ash for partial cement replacement and palm shells for partial gravel replacement to produce interlocking blocks. The properties of the blocks obtained were compared with the community product standard 602/2547. The palm ash and shells waste replaced cement and gravel with the following weight percentages: 5-5, 10-10, 15-15 20-20, 25-25, 30-30, 35-35 and 40-40.             The mixtures consist of gravel, cement, sand, palm ash and shells waste. All these components were cured in air for 28 days. Then the blocks were tested for water absorption and compressive strength. The results showed that increasing the amount of palm ash and shells waste increased water absorption while increasing the amount of palm ash and shells waste decreased compressive strength. When the values were compared with the community product standard 602/2547, these interlocking blocks were classified as non load bearing type.