Waste Shell Husks Concrete: Durability, Permeability and Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Shell husk is annually produced as a byproduct of shell production in Japan. According to Japanese Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Agriculture, the amount of the abandoned shell husk is about 151,000 tons per year. This huge amount of abandoned shell husk is not only thrown away without any commercial return but also causing pollution and environmental problems. To mitigate the pollution and environmental problems, possible utilization of abandoned shell husk is thoroughly observed in concrete construction. Overall response of the mechanical properties of concrete specimens containing different percentage of abandoned shell husk aggregates such as 0, 10%, 0, 30%, 40% and 50% in the ratio of mass is demonstrated. Results of engineering properties such as compressive strength,Young’s modulus, tensile strength, unit weight, water absorption capacity and coefficient of hydraulic conductivity are depicted. It is observed that the use of shell husk in concrete improves strength and durability performance of concrete treated in aggressive sea environments.