be used as aggregates in concrete. In the Philippines, where abundant coconut shell waste
is discharged, these wastes can be used as potential material or replacement material in
the construction industry.
Concrete is a composite material which is composed of aggregates, cement and
water. Production of concrete is increasing due to high growth of infrastructure
development and construction activities in the world. Sources of conventional aggregates
occupy the major part of the concrete. Using gravel as a conventional aggregate source,
for example, reduces the natural stone deposits and may cause ecological imbalance.
Extraction and processing of aggregates is also a major concern for the environment.
Therefore, the usage of alternative waste in place of natural aggregate in concrete
production not only protects the environment but also makes concrete a sustainable and
environment-friendly construction material.
In view of environmental sustainability and increasing costs of construction
materials, this study purposely paves the way for the identification of waste materials as
alternatives for low-cost construction. Specifically, it proposes coconut shells as coarse
aggregate substitutes in concrete.