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The
paper reports the development of
building components using coconut
shell composites. Coconut shells
are found to be suitable for use
as building materials, being strong,
durable, energy-efficient, replenishable,
inexpensive and locally available
in abundance in places like Kerala.
The application of coconut shells
in building components is made possible
by composite action, wherein coconut
shells are confined in a cement
mortar matrix. Two viable products,
viz., (i) cellular blocks and (ii)
sandwich panels have been developed
using coconut shell composites.
The practical use of these products
have been demonstrated in the construction
of a vault-shaped “coconut
shell house” structure.
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