Microstructural and Plastic Shrinkage Studies on M-Sand and Coconut Shell Used Self-Compacting Concrete

This study investigates the plastic shrinkage behavior of self-compacting concrete made from coconut shells (CS) and blended with manufactured sand (M-sand). The study used the crushed coconut shell as a coarse aggregate (CA) and M-sand as river sand. M-sand was replaced at 25, 50, 75 and 100% in place of river sand and studied the microstructural and plastic shrinkage characteristics of self-compacting coconut shell concrete (SCCSC). To confirm the SCCSC, slump flow, T500 flow time, V-funnel test, L-box and GTM screen stability experiments were conducted. Using M-sand with the combination of coconut shells decreased the formation of plastic shrinkage cracks. Microstructural studies such as SEM and XRD show that there was a decrease in the pore presence and anhydrous compounds and does not affect the formation of hydrated compounds. This study proved that using coconut shell and M-sand in the manufacturing of SCCSC to achieving sustainable development goals, such as “responsible consumption and production”.