Development of lightweight foamed concrete using surface-modified oil palm kernel shell
More details
Hide details
1
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Jalan Teungku Syech Abdur Rauf, Darussalam, Banda Aceh 24415, Indonesia
2
Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Jalan Teungku Syech Abdur Rauf, Darussalam, Banda Aceh 24415, Indonesia
3
Palm Oil and Coconut Research Center, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Darussalam, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
4
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Darussalam, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
5
Faculty of Economic and Business, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Darussalam, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Corresponding author
Izarul Machdar
Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Jalan Teungku Syech Abdur Rauf, Darussalam, Banda Aceh 24415, Indonesia
J. Ecol. Eng. 2025; 26(6):110-119
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Growing environmental concerns and seismic safety requirements have intensified the need for innovative building materials in the construction industry. This challenge is particularly acute in seismically active regions like Indonesia, where the convergence of the Indo-Australian, Pacific, and Eurasian tectonic plates creates unique structural demands for buildings and infrastructure. This study investigates the development of lightweight foamed concrete incorporating oil palm kernel shell (OPKS) as a sustainable aggregate for earthquake-resistant construction applications. The research comprehensively examines the effects of surface modification using silane-siloxane nanocoating and optimizes cement-to-OPKS ratios (2.5:1, 2.7:1, and 3.3:1) across different target specific gravities (1.0, 1.2, and 1.4). The experimental program involved preparing OPKS specimens with both uncoated and coated treatments, followed by characterization of their physical and mechanical properties. Density stability, compressive strength, and tensile strength development were monitored over a 28-day curing period. Microscopic analysis revealed significant morphological modifications resulting from surface treatment, contributing to enhanced aggregate-matrix bonding. Results demonstrate that higher s.g. mixtures (1.4) achieved superior stability and strength performance, reaching 8 MPa for specimens with CT aggregates. Surface treatment significantly enhanced concrete workability and reduced moisture absorption, particularly evident in specimens with higher cement content. The study establishes that OPKS-based lightweight foamed concrete represents a viable solution for non-structural building elements in seismically active regions, particularly for applications requiring compressive strengths below 3 Mpa (residential wall applications). This research contributes to sustainable construction practices by effectively utilizing agricultural waste while meeting structural safety requirements for residential applications.