Eggshell as the partial replacement of Portland cement in the production of concrete

Abstract

The population rate in Malaysia is increasing thus contributing to more undesirable wastes pollute the environment and the development in Malaysia flourishes rapidly. Consequently, the requirement of concrete is escalating thus maximizing the production of Portland cement. Such production liberates more carbon dioxide and causes air pollution. This study investigates the use of poultry waste in concrete production by replacing eggshell powder with Portland cement. Eggshell is identified rich in calcium similar to what cement has as it mainly contains 93.70% calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Chicken eggshells are collected, cleaned, dried, grinded and sieved until the desired 90 µm size. 4 different batches are prepared by substituting 10-30% of eggshell powder with Portland cement in order to determine the suitability of eggshell powder as the partial replacement by investigating both workability and mechanical properties of eggshell blended batches via slump test and 3 destructive tests respectively. Consequently, the workability experiences reduction in the range of 30-70% whereas the results of all 3 destructive tests decrease in the range of 13-48% as the amount of eggshell powder increases. To conclude, eggshell powder is unsuitable for projects that require high strength concrete but may be suitable for projects that require less strength concrete.