The Substitution Effect of the Fine Aggregate in Concrete with Oyster Shell

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, with concrete production being a significant factor.
• Increasing demand for concrete necessitates sustainable alternatives to reduce environmental impact.
• Oyster shell waste presents an underutilized resource that could be repurposed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of using oyster shell powder as a partial replacement for fine aggregates in concrete.
• To evaluate the impact of oyster shell powder incorporation on concrete's compressive strength and unit weight.
• To assess the potential of this method for waste mitigation and sustainable construction.

Main Methods:

• Concrete mixtures were prepared with fine aggregates replaced by oyster shell powder at proportions of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%.
• The compressive strength of the concrete specimens was tested after 56 days of curing.
• The unit weight of the concrete was measured to assess density changes.

Main Results:

• Increasing oyster shell powder content led to a reduction in concrete compressive strength.
• Concrete with up to 40% oyster shell powder replacement achieved a compressive strength of 30 MPa, meeting building standards.
• The unit weight of concrete decreased by approximately 10% at 40% oyster shell powder substitution.

Conclusions:

• Oyster shell powder can be effectively utilized as a partial replacement for fine aggregates in concrete.
• This application offers a sustainable solution for managing oyster shell waste.
• The use of oyster shell powder in concrete contributes to reduced material density and meets essential structural requirements.