Utilization of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and Mussel Shell Ash (MSA) as Partial Cement Replacement in Concrete

Abstract

Mussel shell ash (MSA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) has similar chemical and physical properties as ordinary Portland cement (OPC) which makes it applicable to replace cement in concrete. Currently, the research on combination of GGBS and MSA as partial cement replacement in concrete mix is still limited. In this study, the use of various percentages of GGBS in range of 40 to 60% with combination of 5% of MSA in concrete was investigated. As total, 36 cube concrete samples with size of 100 mm × 100 mm × 100 mm were cast for testing. The concrete samples were tested for density and compressive strength on 28 days, 60 days and 90 days. The test results were compared with control concrete sample contains 100% of OPC. From experimental results, concrete containing GGBS and MSA was obtained higher compressive strength than control concrete up to 90 days. The optimum percentage of GGBS as partial cement replacement is 40% with combination 5% of MSA. The concrete also has less density due to different specific gravity between GGBS and OPC. Hence, the replacement of cement with alternative construction materials of GGBS and MSA can increase the performance of concrete, reducing carbon emission problem then leads to sustainable development of construction industry.