GREEN ENGINEERING IN CONCRETE: ECO-FRIENDLY MEASURES TO BOOST SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH USING GROUNDNUT SHELL POWDER

Abstract

Concrete, being one of the most widely utilized building materials globally, faces challenges due to its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions during cement manufacture. To mitigate the environmental impact and improve concrete performance, researchers are exploring the incorporation of supplemental cementitious materials (SCMs). Groundnut shell powder (GSP), a byproduct of the groundnut industry, has emerged as a promising SCM, owing to its abundant availability and pozzolanic properties. Obtained from groundnut shells, GSP is rich in silica and can react with calcium hydroxide during cement hydration, forming new cementing compounds. Previous research suggests that GSP, when partially replacing cement in concrete, can enhance various properties such as compressive strength and permeability.

Recently, split-strength concrete with groundnut shell ash has garnered attention in the construction domain. Studies have reported a significant improvement in the strength and durability of concrete upon the addition of groundnut shell ash. It acts as a substitute for cement, effectively enhancing the compressive strength of the material. In this study, we investigate the influence of using groundnut shell powder as a partial cement substitute on the tensile strength of concrete. Our goal is to determine the optimal proportion of GSP that enhances the split tensile strength of concrete. To achieve this, concrete samples with varying amounts of groundnut shell powder will be prepared and subjected to split tensile strength tests. The results will be analyzed to understand the impact of groundnut shell powder on concrete's tensile strength and compare its performance with traditional concrete.

This research contributes to the ongoing efforts to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives in the construction industry. By exploring the use of groundnut shell powder as an SCM, we aim to reduce the environmental impact of concrete production while simultaneously enhancing its mechanical properties. The findings from this study will aid in the broader adoption of groundnut shell powder as a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for improving concrete performance and sustainability.