THE PROBABILITY OF USING PULVERIZED MUSSEL SHELLS (Perna viridis)

AS COMPONENT IN HOLLOW BLOCKS MAKING

A Thesis in
Research 1
Presented to the Faculty of Industrial Technology Department
Cebu Technological University – Moalboal Campus
Moalboal, Cebu

In partial fulfillment
of the requirement for the degree
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology
Major in Drafting

James Arthur Raboy

Jhon Paul Flores
Robert Gualiza
Ardwin Memoracion
John Dave Quitorio
Erica Mae Rondrique

December 2021
 DEDICATION

To the workforces in the construction and masonry industry who devote their

time, efforts, and knowledge for the sake of improving infrastructures and civilization.

To the learning enhancement and education advancement of Cebu Technological

University – Moalboal Campus.

To the teachers, friends, and families of the researchers for giving the guidance,

support, and inspiration needed to conduct the study.

Most importantly, to the Almighty Father for the knowledge and wisdom

bestowed to the researchers as the lifeblood in making this study a success.

This research study is for you.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers have contributed the needed effort in this research, but it would

not have been possible without the generous and kind support of many.

The researchers would like to extend their sincerest gratitude primarily to the

Almighty Father, who made everything possible according to His will.

The researchers would also like to express their heartfelt thanks to the parents for

their support, may it be emotionally and financially.

The researchers express their gratitude also to their Research 1 professor, Sir

Resti Tito Villarino, for the opportunity to conduct this study and for the patience and

encouragement he portrayed. Sir Resti Villarino is, indeed generous and inspiring.
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Human civilization continues to progress in culture, technology, and innovation.

Brilliant discoveries continue to make life comfortable and more convenient through

latest inventions offering the best suitable services. In parallel to advancement and

modernization, the researchers intend to uncover studies that will do just that, a research

project concerning an essential material used in almost all infrastructures and building

materials: hollow blocks.

Hollow blocks are rectangular bricks mostly used in the construction of multi-

storied buildings, factories, and residential infrastructures. It is also known as concrete

blocks, cement blocks, and foundation blocks commonly used in compound walls. These

blocks are made from a mixture of cement, sand, and stone chips. Its presence reduces

cement in masonry work and reduces the cost of construction.

There are many environmentalists, researchers, and students who have exerted

much needed efforts to study what mixture is suitable to increase the comprehensive

strength of hollow blocks. Some of these mixtures include soil, rice hull, plastics, broken

glass, and even coconut coir. Various related literature and studies, citing different factors

and considerations were collected, theoretically framed, and analyzed. The research study
results revealed that mussel shells contain 95%-99% calcium carbonate by weight with

fracture toughness of ~3000 times greater than that of the crystals themselves. This

application may help in fabricating new set of raw materials of producing hollow blocks

with enhanced structural properties in terms of durability and compressive strength.

According to Varshney (2016) [1], “The first Concrete block as a replacement for

stone and wood in the building was used in the United States. The first concrete block

house built up in 1837 on Staten Island in New York. Harmon S. Palmer designed first

hollow concrete block in 1890. Palmer presented the design of hollow block in 1900 after

10 years of experimental research. Palmer’s blocks were 8-inch (20.3 cm) x 10-inch (25.4

cm) x 30-inch(76.2 cm) and they were heavy in weight. The early hollow blocks were

cast by hand and average output was about 10 blocks per hour. Now concrete blocks are

manufacturing by automated process that can make up to 2000 blocks per hour.” (p. 1)

Papadimitriou (2020) studied that [2] “The current trend in concrete engineering

is shifting towards the sustainability aspect due to the depletion of natural concrete –

making materials as well as the environmental impact arising from the utilization of these

materials. Hence, there is an increased need of applying sustainable practices in concrete

production using recycled waste materials as substitutes for conventional materials in

concrete.”

In a study done by Young, A. et al., (1982) [7] “Natural populations of oysters

and mussels have long been gathered for food by coastal communities in the Philippines,
and bivalve farming began in early 1900. The first farms were no more than a series of

bamboo poles inserted in the muddy bottom of Manila Bay in Bacoor Cavite. In May

1934, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) established a pilot oyster

farm in Binakayan, Cavite Province, Luzon, and a lucrative industry soon grew up. By

1950, about 200 ha of private farms existed in Bacoor Bay, but, in the late 1950s, mussels

appeared on the farms and threatened the industry. The response of BFAR was to initiate

farms for mussels, and the results prompted the establishment of a mussel industry that

proved to be at least as lucrative as the oyster industry.”

Mussel Shells waste can be recycled as an alternative concrete component. Many

wastes will thus be generated, answering waste management problems in local

communities. The recycling of mussel wastes in addition to hollow block mix will

contribute to the preservation of the environment by reducing the quantity of mussel shell

waste.

The utilization of pulverized mussel shells in concrete could restrain the problem

of excessive consumption of conventional materials and at the same time decrease the

amount of generated waste shells in the Asia-Pacific region. The probability of using

mussel shells as component in manufacturing hollow blocks was studied, and the results

show a great significance here in the Philippines, where increasing amounts of mussel

shells are disposed under no regulation.

Theoretical Background

Natural resources of the world drastically dwindle due to the increasing demand

of natural aggregate for the construction industry. This has also degenerated the

environment and has given impetus to studies and research for sustainable development

by using different waste products in the construction industry. Lightweight aggregates

from industrial waste such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, bed ash has

led to sustainable materials but due to the lack of production techniques, many of the

developed and under-developed countries have not been able to use them to their

advantage. If the weight of the structure is decreased by using lightweight aggregate in

concrete, it favorably assists both the structural stability and economic viability, which

has been convincingly proved in developed countries. [3] (Prusty and Patro, 2014)

According to Reddy et al., (2014), [4] the consumption of the primary aggregate

was 110 million tonnes in the U.K. during 1960 and reached nearly 275 million tonnes in

the year 2006. Similarly, 2 billion ton-nes of aggregate are produced each year in the

United States and it is expected to increase to more than 2.5 billion tonnes by the year

2020.

It has been predicted that the demand for concrete is expected to grow to

approximately 18 billion tons a year by 2050. Such heavy demands draw attention and

preservation of natural aggregates, which are a matter of grave concern. Since aggregates

contribute about 60–80% of the volume of the concrete, effective and efficient use of
agricultural waste contributes to energy saving, conservation of natural resources and

reduction of the cost of construction materials. Agricultural wastes in the form of

aggregate for concrete production can be considered as one of the environmental benefits

and has shown better thermal property with the proven recognition by most of the

sustainability rating systems. [5] (Shafigh et al., 2014)

Giving emphasis on the above citations, the researchers decided to look for a

partially or fully coarse mixture replacement material in an alternative hollow blocks

production. Mussel shells for a fact, embodies a good quality of concrete due to their

durable property, but still, it requires a mixture of more cement paste to make it feasible.

Due to an excessive availability of mussel shells, it can be potentially used as a

component in hollow blocks making, thus opening a new horizon in construction and

masonry industry. In addition, it can serve as an alternative to solving the problem of

preservation of natural coarse aggregate and disposal problems.

The construction industry requires great number of raw/virgin materials from

natural resources. In the past recent years, extreme efforts were initiated to introduce in

concrete mixing activities the by-products and wastes from various industrial,

agricultural, and other relative sources. Looking through at the fishery industry, seashell

wastes like mussel shells are available in certain regions in the Philippines and is usually

dumped in huge quantities without any reuse and proper waste regulation.
 Papadimitriou et al. [2] investigated on mussel shells and its feasibility as an

aggregate replacement concrete. In their project study, the waste mussel shells were dried

and crushed into different aggregates ranging from coarse particulates to powder.

Specimens were prepared by using various types of cements (CEM I 52.5N, CEM

IV/B (P-W) 32.5N and CEM II/A-M (W-L) 42.5R) and mussel shells of different size.

Their 28-day compressive strength and elastic modulus was evaluated and compared with

the one of specimens made with compatible calcareous sand or gravel. Waste mussel

shells material showed characteristics, like limestone, that enable them to be an inert

material due to the high calcium oxide content. However, proper treatment such as

heating at high temperature and crushing to achieve appropriate fineness are desirable for

a better-quality material. It was shown that waste mussel shells could be utilized as a

partial aggregate for adequate workability and strength of concrete for non-structural

purposes. [2] (Papadimitriou et al. 2014)

The test results also demonstrated that the aggregate fraction plays an important

role in the strength development of mussel concretes. The most impressive observation

was that mussel concretes (code named M1, M4 and M7) made with the coarser gravel

aggregate (4.76 – 12.7 mm fraction) showed strength values lower than the one of

reference concretes with much less cement content, for all types of cement. An

explanation for this result is the one proposed by Garcia et al. (2017), who stated that

the flat and flaky shape of the mussel aggregates, especially the one of the mussel

gravel, act as a barrier to the bleeding water which increases the water to cement ratio
in the downward face of the shell, resulting in a weaker bond between the two phases

(cement paste-aggregate), and hence, in a worst concrete strength. This hypothesis of

aggregate size effect on concrete strength is corroborated by the experimental results

obtained for the finer fraction (sand mussel concretes M3 and M6), which exhibited the

lower decrements in compressive strength and elastic modulus when cement types of

CEM I 52.5 N and CEM II/A-M (W-L) 42.5 R were used. [2] (Papadimitriou et al. 2014)

The experimental tests performed by Papadimitriou et al., (2014) on different

mussel concrete showed that their strength was lower than the natural aggregate

concretes. Their durability and strength are dependent on its amount in the mixture and

the cement type. Their conducted study shows that am adequate fraction of mussel shells

when mixed with a complex cement type containing pozzolan and ground limestone

could produce a concrete with industrial properties comparable to the commercialized

one. Despite the reduction in the workability and strength, based on the studies

performed, it is suggested that mussel shells waste could still be utilized as a partial

aggregate at a replacement level of up to 20% for adequate workability and strength of

concrete.

Another research study was conducted by a group of students which [8] aims to

develop stronger and tougher hollow blocks by using various shells. In their project

study, “The hollow block is mainly composed of shells and clay, wherein clay has been

indispensable in architecture, infrastructure and is an insulator to weather. The

researchers added cement to the mixture making the product more compact. Hollow
blocks from various shells and the commercial hollow blocks were set into trials to

compare each strength and ability to withstand weather. Both were stomped by different

people weighing 40kg, 50kg, and 80kg; and were poured with hot water (100 OC) and cold

water (16OC). After the trials, the researchers found out that commercial hollow block

was easily squashed into pieces unlike the study’s hollow block which is weaker in the

hollow part. (Cantano et al., n. d.)

The student researchers proved that the hollow blocks with a mixture of 40% clay

and 60% sand seashells, from various shells, are stronger compared to the commercial

hollow blocks. The commercial hollow blocks were easily cracked into pieces unlike the

one with a mixture of different seashells. [8] “The results of the experiment show that the

hollow block is stronger when there are more crushed shells added. The mud clay and

cement react to produce alternative hollow blocks and much more when they are

combined. There is a difference in strength from the highest quantity of crushed shells in

each mixture of mud clay and cement”. (Cantano et al., n. d.)

Another series of experiments was also conducted by Manao, A. (n.d.) [6] to

study the effect of using mussel shells on the compressive strength and percentage of

water absorption of the bricks. The bricks were tested at the construction materials testing

center and it proved that the bricks could hold enough strength and can absorb much

water.
 According to ASTM c1088 standard specification for thin veneer brick units

made from clay or shale, the compressive strength of the thin veneer bricks is not

necessary because its strength cannot be measured accurately due its thickness. But we

can conclude that the bricks with 100% mussel shell (sample 2) can have more

compressive strength than combining the mussel shell to the sand (sample 3) and bricks

with no mussel shell at all (sample 4). Therefore, using 100% and 50% mussel shell can

increase the compressive strength by 65.29% and 57.56% respectively. [6] (Manao, A.

n.d.)

Based on the studies performed, the brick with mussel shells mixture could be

used as walling, flooring, and in constructing patios, paving works, or as blinding

concrete. Pulverized mussel shells when used as an additive in making hollow blocks can

be used both as a cement substitute and as a filler material for the formulation of non-

structural concrete. This newly formulated mixture can be applied in structures with low

strength concrete requirement. Indeed, this type of hollow blocks or concrete blocks can

be used as strengthening and infill material for confined beams. Another conceivable

application of this mixture is the rehabilitation of deteriorated columns to prolong their

service life.
Theoretical Framework

Fig. 01 is a sample framework showing the structure that can hold and support

this research study. This theoretical framework describes why there is a need for the

researchers to study the probability of using mussel shells as component in hollow blocks

making.
Fig. 01 Theoretical Framework showing the structure showing the need to study the
probability of using mussel shells in making hollow blocks.
Statement of the Problem

The researchers aimed to determine the feasibility of using pulverized mussel

shells in making hollow blocks. Specifically, this study is made to answer the following

problems:

1. What would be the best feasible mussel shells mixture in making the hollow

blocks:

a. Mussel Shells with sand?

b. Mussel Shells with clay?

2. What would be the percentage of the best feasible mixture?

3. Is there a significance difference between hollow blocks made from mussel

shells and the commercial ones that has been used for years?

Formulation of Hypothesis

The hollow blocks out from a mixture with mussel shells would be the improved

version of the commercial hollow blocks commonly used for years. It has great

comprehensive strength compared to the ordinary and commercialized ones that we have

seen mostly used in constructing infrastructures and other building types.

Significance of the Study

The study entitled, “The Probability of Using Pulverized Mussel Shells (Perna

viridis) As Component in Hollow Blocks Making”, aimed to utilize the hypothetical

properties of pulverized mussel shells as a composite material in hollow blocks making.

This study is significant not just for the students and the campus but also to the society.

This chosen study also helps the society provide an efficient idea on how to deal

with solid waste management by reducing global environmental pollution using

agricultural wastes like mussel shells as a composite material in making hollow blocks

instead of simply disposing them. Empty mussel shells cannot be easily decomposed and

would take for up to 20 years. This would certainly harm the atmosphere, environment,

and the people when burned. Thus, there is a great need to make a move on how to

convert this type of waste into a useful and worthwhile product.

This research also helps the construction industry to produce products with very

good comprehensive strength. Hollow blocks with improved quality play an important

role in creating a better, more reliable foundation of infrastructures – houses, buildings,

bridges, etc. Even more, this research study also intends to gather a thorough data

analysis that may serve as reference point of information for material’s appropriateness.

Furthermore, this study can be used as basis in building houses for pets, fences,

and other things that needs hollow blocks or cement.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study was conducted to determine the feasibility of using mussel shells as a

composite material in making hollow blocks and would either produce a product with

comprehensive strength or one with weaker properties. The researchers limit the results

on having only four experimental set-ups: three hollow blocks with varying composition

of mussel shells (40-60, 50-50, and 60-40) respectively, and one commercial hollow

block. Justifying why these percentage was used is not part of its scope.

The researchers will not conduct the experiment inside the school premises, but

rather done outside the school grounds due to the present pandemic situation. The results

only limit to home-made hollow blocks, with the help of professionals in hollow blocks

making industry.

Definition of Terms

These are some of the terminologies used by the researchers in this study:

 Biorefinery -

 Cement –

 Compressive Strength -
 Hollow blocks - are rectangular bricks mostly used in the construction of multi-

storied buildings, factories, and residential infrastructures.

 Mussel Shells – are wedge shaped or asymmetrical shells usually longer than the

wide. These wide shells come into two halves that are close and inside contain the

mussel meat.

 Waste Valorization -
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter is all about the concept, research studies, and literatures regarding

with this research study. The concepts are arranged revolving major topics explained in

this study.

Shell Waste Management

Solid waste management is a polite term for garbage management. If humans

have been living in settled communities, solid waste, or garbage, has been an issue, and

modern societies generate far more solid waste than early humans ever did. Daily life in

industrialized nations can generate several pounds of solid waste per consumer, not only

directly in the home, but indirectly in factories that manufacture goods purchased by

consumers. (Mazik et al., 2005) [9]

Arroyo et al. (2005) [10] conducted a study on the feasibility of a mollusk shell–

based adhesive as a substitute for mortar. The mollusks shell-based adhesive was made

from combining powdered mollusks shells and tackifier in an elastomer and toluene

mixture. (DOST Report, Bicutan, 2005) [11]. In southern coast of Korea, enormous

amount of oyster-shell waste has been illegally disposed at oyster farm sites along the

seashore. To seek for a possibility to recycle the waste as construction materials,

chemical and mechanical characteristics of crushed oyster-shell were investigated. The

experimental results demonstrate that oyster-shells can be resources of pure calcareous

materials and effective in replacement of sand, indicating promising reusable

construction materials (Gil-Lim Y. et. al., 2002) [12].

Mussel Shells

In the present project the waste mussel shells were dried and crushed into

different aggregates ranging from coarse particulates to powder. Specimens were

prepared by using various types of cements (CEM I 52.5N, CEM IV/B (P-W) 32.5N and

CEM II/A-M (W-L) 42.5R) and shells of different size. Their 28-day compressive

strength and elastic modulus was evaluated and compared with the one of specimens

made with compatible calcareous sand or gravel. Waste mussel shells material showed

characteristics, like limestone, that enable them to be an inert material due to the high

calcium oxide content. However, proper treatment such as heating at high temperature

and crushing to achieve appropriate fineness are desirable for a better-quality material. It

was shown that waste mussel shells could be utilized as a partial aggregate for adequate

workability and strength of concrete for non-structural purposes. [2] (Papadimitriou et al.

2014)

[16] A mussel is any bivalve mollusk, especially and edible marine bivalve of the

family Mytiliadae and a freshwater clam of the family Unionidae. The byssal threads of

the mussel are so adhesive that they even cling to Teflon; scientists are now trying to

develop a mussel-based adhesive for use in eye surgery. The oyster creates its own

environment by secreting a shell composed or ninety-five percent (95%) of calcium

carbonate. The remainder of the shell is made up of organic material and trace amounts of
manganese, iron, aluminum, sulfate and magnesium. The structure or the shell of a

mussel consists or four distinct layers: periostracum, a tissue of organic material called

conchiolin, secreted by the cells located near the edge of the mantle. The periostracum is

poorly developed in crassostrea virginica and it is not round in old shells, prismatic layer,

which is made up of bricklike prism units. Each prism consists or calcite crystals laid in a

matrix of conchiolin. The conchiolin can be destroyed by boiling in potassium hydroxide

and the prisms are separated, calcite-ostracum is a subnacreous layer consisting or

foliated sheets or calcite laid between thin membranes of conchiolin. This layer is

interrupted by 6 soft chalky deposits which consist of amorphous material. This layer

makes up the major part of the shell, hypostracum layer is made or shell material under

the abductor muscle. In the crassostrea virginica the layer is pigmented and consists of

aragonite. As the oyster grows the adductor muscle increases in size and the new areas or

attachment become covered with aragonite.

Shells grow by the accretion of material secreted at their edges. The rings on the

outer surfaces or a bivalve shell represent the contours of the shell at different ages. Rings

are common to all bivalves’ shells. Depending on the shape of the shell, the rings are

either circular or oval with a common point or origin at the extreme dorsal side near the

umbo. The rate of growth along the edge of the shell is not uniform and may actually

change direction in response to environmental factors The mantle of the mussel; the

animal inside the shell is covered by a mantle. The principal function of the mantle is the

formation or the shell and its calcification. It is made up of soft and freshly tissue. The

structure of the mantle consists of a sheet of connective tissue containing muscles, blood

vessels, nerves and it is covered on both sides by epithelium. The mantle receives sensory
stimuli and conveys them to the nervous system and aid in the shedding and dispersal of

eggs. It also participates in respiration, stores reserve materials, secretes large quantities

of mucous and aids in excretion. The most obvious components of the mantle are the

radial muscles, blood vessels and nerves. The radial muscles are large bands of fibers

which extend almost the entire width of the mantle. The radial muscle contracts and pulls

the entire mantle inside and throws its surface into ridges. The mantle’s blood vessel is

the circumpallial artery which sends out many branches; the common pallial artery, and a

large pulsating vessel in the anteriorventral part of 7 the mantle called the accessory

heart. The nerve provides communication. Close nerve contact is maintained between the

muscles and the organs of the mantle through a fine nerve network.

Calcium Carbonate

[17] An important use of calcium carbonate is in the building industry. Due to its

wide abundance and properties, it has been used as a building substance since ancient

times. For example, the Egyptians used limestone for building their pyramids. Another

notable monument made up of white marble is the Taj Mahal in India. Today, calcium

carbonate is used in construction of buildings, roads and other engineering works.

Besides construction, calcium carbonate is also used in other industries like paint, plastic,

rubber, ceramic, cement, glass, steel, oil refining, iron ore purification and bio rock

creation for mariculture of sea organisms. It is used as a blackboard chalk and as pH

correcting compound in swimming pools. As per statistics, about 200 tons of chalk is

used every year. Calcium carbonate is the most preferred mineral in the paper industry,

used for filling and coating paper. It helps in production of the best quality printing
papers. Since calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth, calcium carbonate is used

as dietary calcium supplement. Calcium carbonate supplement is effective to treat certain

ailments related to calcium deficiency, for example, osteoporosis and acidity problems.

Calcium supplements, made from calcium carbonate, are prescribed in various doses as

per the requirement of the patients. Calcium carbonate is used in homeopathy, production

of toothpaste and as an inert substance in tablets. Calcium carbonate is a primary

component of garden lime, also known as agricultural lime, which is used for neutralizing

soil. Acidic soils can be treated with garden lime to enhance 8 the soil quality. Garden

lime when added in soil acts as a calcium source for plants as well as increases the pH

and water retaining capacity of acidic soils. Calcium carbonate sources such as limestone

and chalk, along with other chemical compounds are used in preparation of garden lime.

Calcium carbonate has various environmental applications. It is used in the treatment of

drinking water, desulphurisation of flue gas and wastewater treatments. Water bodies

affected by acid rain can be neutralized by using calcium carbonate. However, care must

be taken as it can increase the concentration of aluminum ions.

Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula CaCO3. It is a

common substance found in rocks in all parts of the world and is the main component of

shells of marine organisms, snails, coal balls, pearls, and eggshells. Calcium carbonate is

the active ingredient in agricultural lime and is usually the principal cause of hard water.

It is commonly used medicinally as a calcium supplement or as an antacid, but excessive

consumption can be hazardous. [17]

Hollow Blocks with Waste Materials

AlJabri K. S. et al., (2009) [13] makes the block with waste materials: vermiculite

and polystyrene which were used as light weight aggregates and cement kiln dust (CKD)

which was the partial replacement for cement. The result shows that the lightweight

concrete blocks manufactured from polystyrene had low thermal conductivity than

vermiculite and ordinary concrete blocks and the addition of up to 15% CKD as cement

replacement gives a negligible effect on the strength.

Kaosol T. (2010) [14] has made study on the reuse of concrete waste as crushed

stone for hollow concrete masonry units. The main objective was to increase the value of

the concrete waste, to make a sustainable and profitable disposal alternative for the

concrete waste. Attempts were made to utilize the concrete waste as crushed stones in the

concrete mix to make hollow concrete blocks. Various percentages of crusted stones have

been tried the amount (i.e. 0%, 10%, 20%, 50% and 100%). From the results they found

concrete waste can used to produce hallow concrete block masonry units.

Maroliya M. K. (2012) [15] found that the crack patterns developed in the

structural elements such as wall and the strength of wall constructed with hollow concrete

block gives the less strength as compared to brick masonry, but cost of construction is

very less.

The construction sector requires the use of vast quantities of raw/virgin materials

derived from natural resources. However, in the last decade intensive efforts have been

made to introduce in concrete mixture activities, by products and wastes from various

industrial, agricultural, or other alternative sources. Originating from the fishery industry,
seashell waste, such as oyster shells, mussel shells, and scallop shells, among others, is

available in huge quantities in certain regions, and is usually dumped or landfilled

without any reuse value. The characteristics of different types of seashell waste, as well

as the effects of incorporating the seashells on the fresh and hardened properties of

concrete, are discussed. The material characteristics suggest that, like limestone, seashell

waste could be an inert material due to the high calcium oxide content. However, proper

treatment such as heating at high temperature and crushing to achieve appropriate

fineness are desirable for a better-quality material. It is shown in past research that while

seashell waste has been used as a replacement for both cement and aggregate, there is still

a lack of investigation concerning its durability, as well as the actual influence of seashell

powder as a cement replacement material. Despite the reduction in the workability and

strength, based on the review, it is suggested that seashell waste could still be utilized as a

partial aggregate at a replacement level of up to 20% for adequate workability and

strength of concrete for nonstructural purposes. The current trend in concrete engineering

is shifting towards the sustainability aspect due to the depletion of natural concrete-

making materials as well as the environmental impact arising from the utilization of these

materials. Hence, there is an increased need of applying sustainable practices in concrete

production using recycled waste materials as substitutes for conventional materials in

concrete. For this purpose, several studies have been carried out to utilize wastes

originating from different sources, such as construction and demolition waste [3,4], and

from a variety of industries including steel [5], agricultural [6–8], glass [9], and rubber

[10], among others. These wastes are available in huge volume in certain countries, and,

hence, have the potential to be reused in large-scale concrete production. The utilization
of waste materials in concrete could moderate the problem of excessive consumption of

conventional materials as well as reduce the amount of waste shells generated. In the

present project the feasibility of using mussel shells as aggregates in the production of

concrete was investigated, the results of the study are of particular importance for Greece

and especially the area of Thessaloniki, where vast amounts of mussel shells are disposed

under no regulation near RAMSAR and NATURA 2000 protected site of Axios. The

investigation of reuse or utilization of waste shells can attribute to the decision making

upon the sustainable management practices in the specific area. [2] (Papadimitriou et al.

2014)
 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGIES

Research Method

To quantitatively prove the probability of using pulverized mussel shells as

component in hollow blocks making, the experimental method was used in this study.

This research strives for information involving performing experiments to reach

conclusions and can be conducted based on some of the findings from previous related

forms of research. In this kind of research, the investigations manipulate the experimental

variables.

Research Design

To expound the purpose of this study, the researchers gathered several reviews of

related studies involving mussel shells, shell waste management, hollow blocks mixed

with waste materials, and some other related research project.

The researchers conducted the experiment using different ratios of mixtures.

Data Gathering Procedure

Study Instrument

Aside from related literatures, books, and other written materials, the researchers

used a survey questionnaire for the study which in Google form. Google forms provide a

fast way to create online survey, and the responses are collected in an online spreadsheet.

The survey questions will be answered from almost any web browser – including mobile

smartphone and tablet browsers using their email addresses. Their responses will be

automatically recorded. The researchers can access the survey questionnaire through the

given link: https://forms.gle/UzKNJxsnEpBi5c7M7

Research Procedures
 REFERENCES

[1] International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology. (2016). A review study

on different properties of hollow concrete blocks (IJERT ISSN: 2278-0181.,

Special Issue 2016., Vol 4., Issue 03). Department of Civil Engineering, Roorkee

Institute of Technology.

https://www.ijert.org/research/a-review-study-on-different-properties-of-hollow-

concrete-blocks-IJERTCONV4IS03032.pdf

[2] Papadimitriou, C. A., Anagnostopoulos, K., Anagnostopoulos, S., Mitsoudi, S.

(2020). The use of waste mussel shells as an aggregate replacement in concrete.

International Hellenic University, School of Engineering, Department of

Environmental Engineering.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/

344042196_The_use_of_waste_mussel_shells_as_an_aggregate_replacement_in_

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