International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET)

Volume 9, Issue 4, April 2018, pp. 365–371, Article ID: IJCIET_09_04_040

Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=9&IType=4
ISSN Print: 0976-6308 and ISSN Online: 0976-6316

© IAEME Publication Scopus Indexed

STUDY ON AXIAL STRESS-STRAIN RELATION

AND POISSON’S RATIO EFFECT ON COCONUT
SHELL CONCRETE
Pramod Kumar M. V
M. Tech Structural Engineering, School of Civil Engineering and Chemical Engineering,
Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu

Visuvasam J, Srinivasan. K, Simon Jayasingh

Assistant Professor, School of Civil and Chemical Engineering,
Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu

ABSTRACT
The paper deals with the experimental investigation on the determination of axial
stress-strain relation, the concrete thoroughly made with the lightweight aggregate of
coconut shell. Four different grades of coconut shell concrete were used in the
experiment. The coefficient of secant modulus and modulus of elasticity and chord
modulus variations were observed. The experiment is entirely done with extensometer,
stress-strain relations were observed. The empirical equations were finally proposed to
describe the stress-strain relation of coconut shell concrete.
Key words: Coconut Shell Concrete, Axial Stress-Stress Relation, Strain Gauges.
Cite this Article: Pramod Kumar M. V, Visuvasam J, Srinivasan. K and Simon
Jayasingh, Study On Axial Stress-Strain Relation and Poisson’s Ratio Effect On
Coconut Shell Concrete, International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology,
9(4), 2018, pp. 365–371.
http://www.iaeme.com/ijciet/issues.asp?JType=IJCIET&VType=9&IType=4

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. General
Coconut shell concrete (CSC) is one of the unique concrete under lightweight concrete which
is recently developed in the concrete world. The mechanical properties and bond properties of
CSC [1] and durable properties of CSC [2] and torsional behavior of CSC [3] and excellent
flexural and ductility behavior [4] are in acceptable range and similar to the lightweight
concrete. Compressive strength, porosity in the concrete, water-to-cement ratio and curing
temperature affect the development of stress-strain relation of concrete [5] and also an internal
matrix of aggregate hugely impact on the stress-strain behavior and Poisson's ratio. In the
experimental program, we made an attempt that we have developed four mix proportions of

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 365 editor@iaeme.com

 Pramod Kumar M. V, Visuvasam J, Srinivasan. K and Simon Jayasingh

CSC we have tested, we found in the results there is a significant effect of aggregate type on
the modulus of elasticity and Poisson's ratio.

2. MATERIALS USED IN THE STUDY

2.1. Cement
Ordinary Portland cement is one of the finest, in this project OPC, 53 grade has been taken
according to IS 12269-1987 [6]. The initial setting time to be 30 minutes and final setting time
to be 10 hours and having a specific gravity of 3.15.

2.2. Fine Aggregate

River sand is used as a fine aggregate which is cheaply available in the coastal belt of Andhra
Pradesh has been sieved through 4.75 mm come under zone 3 according to IS 383-1970 [7].
The sand is free from biodegradable matter; the fineness modulus and specific gravity are 2.61
and 2.72 respectively.

2.3. Water
Regular water has a PH of 7 has been used in the project for mixing the ingredients and casting
as well as curing according to IS 456-2000 [8].

2.4. Coconut Shell

Coconut shells were collected from near oil crushers in this project coconut shells used as a
coarse aggregate, which is passed from 12.5 mm sieve and retains on 10 mm sieve. The specific
gravity and water absorption capacities are 1.13 and 23.4 %.

2.5. Mix Design

For the manufacture of CSC, it mainly depends upon the physical properties of the shell. The
chosen mix proportions of M15, M20, M25, M30 as represented as Mix Ids M1, M2, M3, M4
which are the best fit for the stress-strain curve. Gunasekaran et al. [2] have developed a Mix
proportion of 1:1.47:0.65:0.42 having cement content of 510 kg/m3 with this reference we have
calculated the mix proportions for M15 and M20 and M30.

3. EXPERIMENTAL METHODS
3.1. Compressive Strength test
The compressive strength of concrete, a high priority component in the structural design, is
entirely considered as one of the most important mechanical properties which notify the quality
of the concrete. The cubes of size 100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm were tested (Figure 1) in digital
compression testing machine having a maximum capacity of 20 Tons to determine compressive
strength as per IS 516:1959 [9].

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 366 editor@iaeme.com

 Study On Axial Stress-Strain Relation and Poisson’s Ratio Effect On Coconut Shell Concrete

(a) Testing of specimen (b) Tested specimen

Figure 1 Compressive strength test on CSC

3.2. Static Modulus of Elasticity and Poisson’s Ratio

Cylinders of 150mm diameter and 300mm height were taken to find the chord modulus of
elasticity and Poisson's ratio of CSC. The test was carried out by using extensometer. The
specimens were loaded up to 40% of the ultimate load as per ASTMC 469-02 [10].

4. DISCUSSION ON TEST RESULTS

4.1. Compressive Strength
After curing of 3, 7 and 28 days, the cubical moulds of CSC are tested by using compression
testing machine having a maximum capacity of 20 Tons. The average compressive strength of
cubes was taken according to as per IS 516:1959. The compressive strength results of
cylindrical and cubical specimens for 28 days have been tabulated below.

Table 1 Testing results of hardened concrete of CSC

Mix Cylinder Compressive Cube Compressive Unit Weight of Hardened
Id Strength (MPa) Strength (MPa) Concrete (kg/m3)
M1 9.52 15.12 1955
M2 12.2 19.26 1971
M3 16.4 26.4 1980
M4 19.22 30.81 1995
From the above results, The CSC unit weight varies from 1900 kg/m3 to 2000 kg/m3 which
meet the demand of lightweight structural concrete.

4.2. Axial Stress-Strain Behavior

The total four different grades of CSC cubes were cast. The total cylinders were tested using
extensometer. The unfold diagram of strain gauges has been represented below. Each
cylindrical specimen has been attached to four strain gauges (Figure 2).

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 367 editor@iaeme.com

 Pramod Kumar M. V, Visuvasam J, Srinivasan. K and Simon Jayasingh

(a) Unfolded diagram of strain gauges (b) Specimen with strain gauges

Figure 2 Strain gauge arrangement

Accordingly, both oblique strains and longitudinal strains have been measured, after
measuring the strains using regression analysis the stress versus strain graphs were plotted for
selected mix proportions. The stress-strain relationship of M3 mix obtained by extensometer is
given in Figure 3.

Figure 3 Stress vs strain of M3 mix by extensometer

Secant modulus is the line from which origin to any point of the stress-strain curve. The
secant modulus of the M3 mix by extensometer is given in Figure 4.

Figure 4 Secant modulus of the M3 mix by an extensometer

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 368 editor@iaeme.com

 Study On Axial Stress-Strain Relation and Poisson’s Ratio Effect On Coconut Shell Concrete

From the above graphs, stress-strain characteristics of CSC are not similar to conventional
concrete. Due to the higher elongation readings in CSC, the curves represent to be little zigzag.
The obtained strain value is more at failure leads to the lower modulus of elasticity compared
to conventional concrete as per IS 456:2000. The deformations and average modulus of
elasticity of CSC are tabulated below Table 2.

Table 2 Strain values of various mix proportions for 40% of ultimate load and peak stress.
Cylinder Compressive Strain at 40% of Ultimate Strain at Peak
Mix Id
Strength (MPa) Load Stress
M1 9.52 0.000361 0.002
M2 12.2 0.000385 0.0021
M3 16.4 0.000498 0.00215
M4 19.22 0.000535 0.0024
The maximum strain achieved in the CSC is almost within the range of 0.002, the average
modulus of elasticity M3 mix is 15933 MPa which is almost less than half of conventional
concrete. Based on the test results the modulus of elasticity of CSC is compared with 5000 √fck
whereas fck is characteristic cube compressive strength. The stress strain relationship plot for
the all mix proportions with obtained equation and regression factor values in the range of 0.95
to 0.99 is given in Figure 6.

Figure 6 Stress vs strain curves for all selected mix ID

4.3. Comparison of Ec Results

Table 3 Investigated and proposed modulus of elasticity results of all mix proportions
Mix Id Maximum Strain Investigated Static Modulus(Mpa) Proposed Modulus 1580√Fck
M1 0.002 5547 6143
M2 0.0021 6514 6923
M3 0.00215 7481 7481
M4 0.0024 8519 8770

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 369 editor@iaeme.com

 Pramod Kumar M. V, Visuvasam J, Srinivasan. K and Simon Jayasingh

4.4. Chord modulus and Poisson's ratio

Chord modulus and Poisson’s ratio has been calculated by using formula taken from ASTM469
[10] for the selected mix ids the values of chord modulus, modulus of elasticity is given below
a table 4

Table 4
Mix Modulus Of Secant Modulus Chord Modulus Poissons Ratio,
Id Elasticity(Mpa) (Mpa) (Mpa) µ
M1 1430 1579 7625 0.191
M2 1490 1594 7940 0.213
M3 1580 1696 8925 0.224
M4 1540 1642 9326 0.241
From the above table it has been observed that the secant modulus of CSC within the range
of 1550MPa to 1700MPa, and also modulus of elasticity has been recorded up to in the range
of 1450MPa to 1600MPa which is decidedly less than when compared to conventional concrete.
and also observed than Poisson's ratio within the range of( 0.19-0.25) which meets the demand
of structural lightweight concrete, but there observed a high deformations occurred in the lateral
direction which leads more significant loss in weaker face of CSC .

5. CONCLUSIONS
From this research, the stress-strain characteristics of CSC are studied, the following
conclusions are obtained.
• Compressive strength and the elastic modulus of CSC are significantly influenced by the
mineralogy of coconut shell.
• The experiments of coconut shell achieve the requirements for use as lightweight aggregate
concrete.
• CSC being a lightweight has the more significant difference in properties such as compressive
strength, density, ultimate strain, elastic modulus, Poisson's ratio.
• The compressive strength of cylinder to cube ratio is achieved as 0.65, which is decreased by
18% compared to conventional concrete.
• For coconut shell, the maximum strain obtained was 0.002 as similar as conventional concrete
• The modulus of elasticity of CSC varies from 1400MPa to 1600MPa
• The chord modulus for CSC varies from 7.5GPa to 9GPa is very much lower than conventional
as per IS456:2000
• Based on stress vs strain the final coefficient obtained for different grades of concrete as per
IS456 Ec=1510√ fck
• The Poisson's ratio of CSC results in the range of 0.19-0.25 which is meeting the demand of
lightweight concrete.
• The lateral strains of CSC are more due to its weaker interface, which increases Poisson's ratio.

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 370 editor@iaeme.com

 Study On Axial Stress-Strain Relation and Poisson’s Ratio Effect On Coconut Shell Concrete

REFERENCES
[1] Gunasekaran, K., P. S. Kumar, and M. Lakshmipathy. "Mechanical and bond properties of
coconut shell concrete." Construction and building materials 25.1 (2011): 92-98.
[2] Gunasekaran, K., R. Annadurai, and P. S. Kumar. "A study on some durability properties
of coconut shell aggregate concrete." Materials and Structures 48.5 (2015): 1253-1264.
[3] Gunasekaran, K., R. Ramasubramani, R. Annadurai, and S. Prakash Chandra. "Study on
reinforced lightweight coconut shell concrete beam behaviour under torsion." Materials &
Design 57 (2014): 374-382.
[4] Gunasekaran, K., R. Annadurai, and P. S. Kumar. "Study on reinforced lightweight coconut
shell concrete beam behaviour under flexure." Materials & Design 46 (2013):
[5] 157-167.
[6] Zhou, Yong, et al. "A fundamental study on compressive strength, static and dynamic elastic
moduli of young concrete." Construction and Building Materials 98 (2015):
[7] 137-145.
[8] The designation, Indian Standard. "IS 12269-1987, Specification for 53 grade ordinary
Portland cement, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, India." Indian Standard
Designation, IS 516-1999.
[9] Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS), “Specification for Coarse and Fine Aggregate From
Natural Sources for Concrete,” IS 383(Second rev.), p. New Delhi, India,1970.
[10] IS 456-2000 Plain and Reinforced Concrete - Code of Practice is an Indian Standard code
of practice for general structural use of plain and reinforced concrete
[11] Bureau of Indian Standards, “IS 516 -1959: Method of Tests for Strength of Concrete,”
Is516 -1959 Methods of Tests for Strength of Concrete, 2004.
[12] R. Udhayasankar and B. Karthikeyan, Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Properties
of Coconut Shell Biocomposites Reinforced with Cardanol Resin, International Journal of
Mechanical Engineering and Technology 8(11), 2017, pp. 78–88.
[13] H. Ajith Hebbar, Anvith A Hebbar and Dayananda Patwardhan. Novel and Eco Friendly
Ant Chalk and Mosquito Mat From Coconut Shell Oil. International Journal of Advanced
Research in Engineering and Technology, 6(10), 2015, pp. 127-130.
[14] Dewanshu Ahlawat and , L.G.Kalurkar, Strength Properties of Coconut Shell Concrete,
Volume 4, Issue 7, November-December 2013, pp. 20-24, International Journal of
Advanced Research in Engineering and Technology (IJARET)
[15] Vikesh B.S and K. Gunasekaran, Study for the Development of Stress Block for Coconut
Shell Concrete. International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology, 8(4), 2017, pp.
770-776
[16] ASTM C 469-02, Standard Test Method for Static Modulus of Elasticity and Poisson’s
Ratio of Concrete in Compression, Annual Book of ASTM standards.

http://www.iaeme.com/IJCIET/index.asp 371 editor@iaeme.com