Elaeis Guineensis Jacq SHELL with Mollusca Gastropoda Shell as Coarse Material for Concrete: An Eco-Friendly Reuse

In this study, we investigate the performance of Elaeis Guineensis Jacq Shell (EGS), commonly known as palm kernel shells, and Mollusca Gastropoda Shell (MGS), referring to snail shells, as coarse aggregates in concrete. A total of forty cubes and forty cylinders were fabricated using these shells as substitutes for granite materials. The replacement of granite was carried out in 20% increments, ranging from 0% to 80% (i.e., 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%). By examining the performance of EGS and MGS as coarse aggregates, we aim to shed light on their suitability and potential benefits in concrete production. The use of these waste shells as substitutes for traditional coarse aggregates offers the opportunity to reduce the environmental impact associated with concrete manufacturing while promoting sustainable waste management practices. The test specimens, including the cubes and cylinders, will undergo rigorous mechanical testing to evaluate various properties such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and durability. By assessing the performance of concrete produced with different percentages of EGS and MGS, we can determine the influence of shell content on the mechanical behavior of the concrete. The findings of this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the feasibility and effectiveness of utilizing EGS and MGS as alternative coarse aggregates in concrete. Moreover, this research aligns with the principles of the circular economy by promoting the reuse of waste materials and reducing reliance on virgin resources. Overall, with a systematic investigation of the performance of EGS and MGS in concrete, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential for sustainable concrete production, contributing to the development of eco-friendly construction practices. In order to assess the strength characteristics of the concrete specimens, compressive strength tests and split cylinder tests were performed at four different ages: 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The concrete mix ratio used in this study was 1:2:4 (cement, sand, coarse aggregate) with a water/cement ratio of 0.5. The varying factor was the replacement percentage of Elaeis Guineensis Jacq Shell (EGS) and Mollusca Gastropoda Shell (MGS) as coarse aggregates. The results of the tests revealed a correlation between the percentage of EGS and MGS content and the strength properties of the concrete. It was observed that as the content of EGS and MGS increased, both the compressive strength and tensile strength of the concrete decreased. This indicates that the presence of EGS and MGS as substitutes for traditional coarse aggregates had a detrimental effect on the strength development of the concrete. Additionally, workability tests were performed to evaluate the ease of handling and placing the concrete mixtures. The findings indicated that as the percentage of EGS and MGS increased, the workability of the concrete decreased. This can be attributed to the irregular shape and lightweight nature of the shell aggregates, which can affect the flow and cohesiveness.The experimental 28-day EGS, with a significant 80% replacement factor, exhibited compressive and tensile strengths of 4.32 N/mm2 and 3.62 N/mm2, respectively. Similarly, the MGS showcased notable compressive and tensile strengths of 5.81 N/mm2 and 4.91 N/mm2, respectively. In comparison, the conventional granite concrete, devoid of any substitution, demonstrated significantly higher compressive and tensile strengths of 25.11 N/mm2 and 11.74 N/mm2, respectively. These results indicate that both EGS and MGS compositions successfully meet the required compressive and tensile strength specifications for light-weight concrete Keywords; Elaeis , Guineensis,Mollusca, Gastropoda, Shells.