<p>This study investigates the influence of surface treatment of coconut shell aggregate (CSA) on the resistance to elevated temperature of lightweight concrete. Although prior studies have demonstrated that grout treatment of CSA enhances the mechanical and durability properties of CSA concrete, its performance under elevated temperature conditions has not been widely investigated. Understanding the behaviour of CSA concrete at high temperatures is important for its safe application in structural elements exposed to fire or other thermal stresses. Experimental evaluations were carried out on untreated-CSA and cement grout-treated-CSA concrete mixes, focusing on residual compressive strength and mass loss after exposure to elevated temperatures of 100&#xa0;°C, 200&#xa0;°C, and 400&#xa0;°C for durations of 1&#xa0;h and 4&#xa0;h. Results indicated that grout-treated-CSA concrete consistently demonstrated superior elevated temperature resistance compared to untreated-CSA concrete, exhibiting lower strength degradation and reduced mass loss across all exposure conditions. The grout-treated- The CSA concrete mix retained a minimum compressive strength of 18.64&#xa0;MPa after 4&#xa0;h at 400&#xa0;°C, which is within the acceptable limits for structural lightweight concrete. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed fewer and narrower cracks in the grout-treated-CSA concrete specimens after exposure to elevated temperatures, confirming the protective role of the cement grout coating in enhancing structural integrity under elevated temperatures. Pore size analysis conducted via ImageJ showed that treated CSA exhibited a 93.03% reduction in surface pore area compared to untreated CSA, indicating significant densification. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) up to 750&#xa0;°C confirmed higher mass retention for treated CSA, demonstrating improved resistance to elevated temperature. Overall, the surface treatment of CSA enhances microstructural integrity and improves the resistance to elevated temperature of CSA concrete, making it a viable alternative for use in high-temperature environments. This study employs a comprehensive multi-method approach, including mechanical testing, microstructural analysis, pore size evaluation, and thermogravimetric analysis, to assess the elevated temperature performance of cement grout-treated CSA concrete.</p>

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Improving elevated temperature resistance of coconut shell aggregate concrete using grout-coated coconut shell aggregate

  • A. Sujatha,
  • S. Deepa Balakrishnan

摘要

This study investigates the influence of surface treatment of coconut shell aggregate (CSA) on the resistance to elevated temperature of lightweight concrete. Although prior studies have demonstrated that grout treatment of CSA enhances the mechanical and durability properties of CSA concrete, its performance under elevated temperature conditions has not been widely investigated. Understanding the behaviour of CSA concrete at high temperatures is important for its safe application in structural elements exposed to fire or other thermal stresses. Experimental evaluations were carried out on untreated-CSA and cement grout-treated-CSA concrete mixes, focusing on residual compressive strength and mass loss after exposure to elevated temperatures of 100 °C, 200 °C, and 400 °C for durations of 1 h and 4 h. Results indicated that grout-treated-CSA concrete consistently demonstrated superior elevated temperature resistance compared to untreated-CSA concrete, exhibiting lower strength degradation and reduced mass loss across all exposure conditions. The grout-treated- The CSA concrete mix retained a minimum compressive strength of 18.64 MPa after 4 h at 400 °C, which is within the acceptable limits for structural lightweight concrete. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed fewer and narrower cracks in the grout-treated-CSA concrete specimens after exposure to elevated temperatures, confirming the protective role of the cement grout coating in enhancing structural integrity under elevated temperatures. Pore size analysis conducted via ImageJ showed that treated CSA exhibited a 93.03% reduction in surface pore area compared to untreated CSA, indicating significant densification. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) up to 750 °C confirmed higher mass retention for treated CSA, demonstrating improved resistance to elevated temperature. Overall, the surface treatment of CSA enhances microstructural integrity and improves the resistance to elevated temperature of CSA concrete, making it a viable alternative for use in high-temperature environments. This study employs a comprehensive multi-method approach, including mechanical testing, microstructural analysis, pore size evaluation, and thermogravimetric analysis, to assess the elevated temperature performance of cement grout-treated CSA concrete.