THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SNAIL SHELL AS AN ADDITIVE IN PRODUCTION OF CONCRETE

Abstract

The utilization of aquaculture waste, such as snail shells, has become an increasing concern in construction materials research. Snail shells are commonly found in water sources and are often generated as byproducts during sand sifting for masonry and concrete projects. These calcium-rich river shells are considered valuable as potential components in cement-based construction materials. In this context, the objective of the study was to develop a nano-modified concrete with improved properties using snail shell powder as an additive. Experimental studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating river snail shell powder into concrete without compromising strength characteristics or causing deterioration of other properties. The study identified that the optimal cement replacement using snail shell powder was 6%. Nano-modification of concrete was achieved through the incorporation of finely powdered river snail shells. The results showed that the addition of 6% snail shell powder led to improvements in several mechanical properties of concrete. Increases of up to 12% in compressive strength, 8% in axial compressive strength, 9% in tensile strength in bending, 11% in axial tensile strength, and 8% in elastic modulus were observed. Additionally, a 7% reduction in deformation was achieved through the nano-modification process using snail shell powder. The investigation of the microstructure of concrete samples nano-modified with snail shell powder confirmed the observed relationships between cement properties and nano-modifier dosage. The findings validated the effectiveness of snail shell powder and identified the optimal dosage required to enhance concrete performance.