Method of Producing Plant-Based Coarse Aggregate for Concrete

The present invention provides a method to produce high strength lightweight concrete using oil palm shell aggregate, via the use of heat treatment at 60°C or 150°C with the duration of heat treatment of 0.5 hours or 1 hour respectively. The shell is then allowed to cool to room temperature. The properties of the oil palm shell concrete produced via this method include high comprehensive strength, dimensional stability and provide good resistance to harmful organisms. This invention is an environmentally friendly invention as it utilizes waste material, oil palm shell that is easily available. As a wood type substrate, the use of oil palm shells via this method will not bring about a negative impact to the environment during the use or during the disposal of thereof of the product.