This research investigates and evaluates the results of coconut shell concrete beams subjected to torsion
and compared with conventional concrete beams. Eight beams, four with coconut shell concrete and four
with conventional concrete were fabricated and tested. Study includes the general cracking characteristics,
pre cracking behavior and analysis, post cracking behavior and analysis, minimum torsional reinforcement,
torsional reinforcement, ductility, crack width and stiffness. It was observed that the
torsional behavior of coconut shell concrete is comparable to that of conventional concrete. Compare
to ACI prediction, equation suggested by Macgregor is more conservative in calculating cracking torsional
resistance. But for the calculation of ultimate torque strength ACI prediction is more conservative compared
to the equation suggested by Macgregor. Indian standard is also conservative in this regard, but it
was under estimated compared to ACI and Macgregor equations. Minimum torsional reinforcement in
beams is necessary to ensure that the beam do not fail at cracking. Compared to conventional concrete
specimens, coconut shell concrete specimens have more ductility. Crack width at initial cracking torque
for both conventional and coconut shell concrete with corresponding reinforcement ratios is almost