Abstract
Trends in concrete technology are currently directed towards sourcing alternative sustainable materials for concrete in order to minimise over-reliance on natural resources. Many of the substitute materials used for producing green concrete are recycled materials obtained from industrial wastes and by-products. A promising solution to the challenge of seashell waste management involves utilising seashells as construction materials in concrete. Experimental investigations have been carried out on the use of mollusc seashells such as periwinkle shell, mussel shell, oyster shell, cockle shell, crepidula shell, clam shell and scallop shell as aggregate replacement materials in concrete. The seashells were utilised as partial or total replacement of fine and coarse aggregates in concrete. This paper is a literature review of seashell aggregate concrete. The paper first presents an overview of the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of the seashells. This is followed by a discussion of the physical, mechanical and durability properties of seashell aggregate concrete in fresh and hardened states. Possible applications in the construction industry are also highlighted. Mollusc seashells have similar chemical composition with limestone-type aggregates but characteristically contain traces of chloride and sulphate salts. Although inclusion of seashell aggregate reduces the physico-mechanical properties of concrete, utilising some seashells as partial coarse aggregate at up to 50% substitution level can produce normal-weight concrete for non-structural and low-strength structural functions. The current understanding of seashell aggregate concrete provides a basis for further research on various aspects of its behaviour including the sound absorption and thermal insulation properties.
Published Version
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