Physical and Mechanical Properties of Concrete Containing Green Mussel (Perna viridis) Shell Ash as an Admixture

In line with the aim of applying green technology in construction for a sustainable living and environmental preservation, this study focused on the utilization of green mussel shells, which come from unmanaged aquaculture residues. The shell ashes is used as an admixture material in the concrete mix. Green mussel shell, which had undergone drying, crushing, grinding and sieving processes were added into the concrete mix at different percentages of 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%. The concrete specimens were water-cured for 7, 28 and 60 days with the target strength of 30MPa in the 28 days. This research also focused on material characterization in term of physical properties of the mussel shell ash. The physical properties of the mussel shell ash were determine by the specific gravity test, setting time analysis and the particle size distribution. Furthermore, workability of the wet concrete was verified by conducting the slump test. Testing of the compressive strength, tensile strength, and capillary absorption have been conducted on the hardened concrete that contained the mussel shell ash mix right after the 7, 28, and 60 curing days. The high calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content in the mussel shell served as filler within the pores of the hardened concrete. Furthermore, the concrete specimens containing the mussel shell ash (GMSA2) demonstrated higher compressive strengths when compared to the control specimens. Apart from supporting the sustainability concept, this research also concluded that the addition of the mussel shell ash has improved the mechanical properties of the hardened concrete.