2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B

This study is part of a sustainable innovation dynamic in the field of construction materials, focusing on the physical properties of lightweight concretes formulated with class II cement (42.5 MPa strength), natural pozzolan, and palm kernel shells. The main objective is to assess the balance between structural lightness and physical parameters, in order to identify the formulations best suited to sustainable construction requirements. In this context, several formulations were developed by partially substituting conventional lightweight aggregates with natural lightweight aggregates, namely pozzolan and palm kernel shells, used separately. Experimental results highlight a strong correlation between the type of lightweight aggregate and the overall performance of the concrete. The concrete containing 34% palm kernel shells achieved a dry density of 1850 kg/m³ and a bulk density of 2100 kg/m³. This opens concrete perspectives for integrating these sustainable concretes into smart construction systems.