Exploring the potential of senilia senilis shells as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in hollow concrete block production
Abstract
Rising demand for sustainable construction materials has spurred research into alternatives that reduce reliance on natural aggregates. This study investigates the feasibility of using Senilia senilis shells as a partial substitute for fine aggregate in manufacturing hollow concrete blocks. The shells, collected from coastal areas and processed by cleaning, drying, crushing, and sieving, were incorporated into concrete mixes at replacement levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by weight of fine aggregate, with 0% serving as the control. Laboratory tests, including assessments of physical properties, compressive strength, water absorption, and microstructural analysis, were performed on the materials and cured blocks over 28 days. The specific gravity of natural fine and Senilia senilis aggregates is 2.65 and 2.63, respectively. The two values obtained are within the recommended limit of 2.7 as specified by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and ASTM C128. Compressive strength results showed that replacing 10-30% of fine aggregate with Senilia senilis shells produced blocks with mechanical properties meeting the minimum acceptable compressive strength of 3.5 N/mm2, as observed at 30% replacement, in accordance with Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS-87) and ASTM C90 standards for load-bearing applications. Also, for water absorption, the results obtained for 10-30% fine Senilia senilis shells are within the 15% limit specified by ASTM C90. Microstructural analysis (SEM/EDS) revealed that Senilia senilis shell fines, rich in CaCO3, serve as effective nucleation sites for hydration products and aid in densifying the interfacial transition zone at lower replacement levels. Overall, the study highlights the potential of seashell waste as a construction material, which will reduce total dependence on natural aggregate for block production, contributing to waste management within the construction industry.
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