Effect of recycled seashells on concrete properties: A comprehensive review of the recent studies. (2nd May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hamada, Hussein M.; Abed, Farid; Tayeh, Bassam; Al Jawahery, Mohammed S.; Majdi, Ali; Yousif, Salim T.
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 376(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-05-02
• Subjects: Seashell -- Environment -- CO2 -- Concrete -- Sustainable -- Mechanical and durability properties; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Highlights: Seashells can be used as cement at different replacement levels to produce sustainable concrete. Production of cement leads to environmental pollution due to the release of a huge amount of CO2 emissions. The physical properties and chemical composition of seashells have been reviewed. The mechanical and durability properties of concrete containing seashells have been evaluated. The use of seashells in concrete can reduce the porosity of concrete at low-replacement levels. Abstract: Population increase and building construction negatively affect the environment by generating high carbon dioxide (CO2 ) concentrations. Meanwhile, the depletion of normal concrete materials, which are essential for construction, requires urgent solutions. Researchers have attempted to obtain suitable sustainable materials to replace traditional concrete materials. Seashells are one such material, as they can be used as cement at different replacement levels during sustainable concrete production. Consequently, reduced cement production can lower environmental pollution and save natural resources from depletion. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of different types of seashells as partial replacements of cement on concrete properties. Then, the physical properties, chemical composition and mechanical and durability properties of seashell-based concrete are determined. The results obtained by previous studies indicate that adding seashells to concrete mixtures can decrease the compressive strength of concrete, especially at the early curing age. High-particle size seashells reduce the flexural and tensile strengths of cement, whereas fine-particle size seashells increase flexural and tensile strengths owing to the good bonding between aggregates and the binder matrix. The porosity and absorption of concrete at low-replacement levels are lower than those of the control concrete sample. The workability of concrete decreases with increasing seashell content. Therefore, seashells can potentially be used as renewable and sustainable concrete materials, especially for materials with low replacement levels. This study recommends adopting new treatment methods of using seashells in high amounts to replace cement materials, thereby contributing to the reduced release of CO2 emissions.