Nanomodified Concrete with Enhanced Characteristics Based on River Snail Shell Powder

Abstract

The utilization of aquaculture waste, such as snail shells, is a severe issue. These shells are common in water-sources and are a by-product of sifting sand for masonry and concrete work. Calcium-rich river shells are of great interest for cement building materials. In this regard, the purpose of this article was to develop a nanomodified concrete with improved characteristics based on the powder of snail shells. Experimental studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the use of river shells in concrete without a decrease in strength characteristics and deterioration of other properties. It has been found that the optimal replacement by the snail shell powder that replaced cement is in the amount of 6%. By the nanomodification of concrete with the powdered shells of river snails, it was possible to achieve an increase in compressive strength up to 12%, axial compressive strength—up to 8%, tensile strength in bending—up to 9%, axial tensile strength—up to 11%, elastic modulus—up to 8%. Concrete nanomodification with snail shell powder in the amount of 6% contributed to a reduction of deformations of up to 7%. The study of the microstructure of concrete samples nanomodified with snail shell powder confirmed the obtained dependences of the cement’s properties on the nanomodifier dosage, as well as the most effective dosage of snail shell powder.