Flexural and time-dependent performance of palm shell aggregate concrete beam

The use of Oil Palm Shell (OPS) as coarse aggregate is a cost-effective approach in the production of structural lightweight concrete. This paper investigates the flexural and long-term deflection performance of palm shell aggregate concrete beams. Both experimental and theoretical studies are carried out on 1.5 m long beams to investigate the structural performance. A total of nine beams having different mix ratios are tested in the laboratory under different service loading condition. Factors affecting the short and long-term deflections of palm shell aggregate concrete beams are highlighted in this paper. The experimental results are compared with the theoretical results. From the experimental investigation and theoretical analysis, it is concluded that cracked section under sustained loading showed larger deflection compared to that of uncracked section. The theoretical approach can give conservative estimate of the deflection provided the factors affecting the long-term performance of palm shell concrete beams are addressed.