PULVERIZED MUSSEL (PERNA VIRIDIS) AND BLUE SWIMMING CRAB

(PORTUNUS PELAGICUS) SHELL AS VIABLE ADMIXTURES TO CONCRETE

Theoretical Framework

Innovation has been examined in a number of situations, including those related to

various contexts.  In this study, the innovation-decision process theory, which emphasizes the
study of pulverized mussels and blue swimming crabs, characterizes the decision-making process
of the researchers to support first knowledge of innovation, and persuasion to the study, the
decision to accept or dismiss, implementation of the innovative concept, and confirmation of this
study.

Knowledge Persuasion Decision Implementation Confirmation

 Adoption Continued Adoption

 Increasing  Usage of waste Later Adoption

usage of materials such as
concrete seashells is also
materials increasing Discontinuance
affects the  Seashells
environment combined with  Rejection Continued Rejection
concrete can
create a building
material

Fig. 2 Theoretical Framework of the Study

Operation/Maintenance/Safety

By-products and wastes from multiple industries have been integrated into concrete as
replacements in an attempt to lessen the building industry's reliance on virgin materials. Seashell
debris, which comes from the fishing industries and includes oyster shells, mussel shells, and
scallop shells among others, is abundant in some areas and is typically abandoned or improperly
disposed without having any potential for reuse. However, in most cases, seashells are gathered
as waste, thus before using them to produce concrete, proper preparation, handling,
management and treatments must be accomplished to completely remove any impurities.
Additionally, due to seashells' naturally level substrate surface, grinding and crushing are
necessary to produce fragments fine enough to be utilized as a cementitious material to help
reduce the internal gaps that are frequently found in organic materials. Although using seashells
as additives demands a greater fineness modulus than cement, which in turn increases the need
for water, the decrease in cement content with escalating seashell percentages may enhance
operability due to decreases in hydration degree. Through this, the operation in developing
pulverized mussel (Perna viridis) and blue swimming crab (Portunus Pelagicus) shells as a
viable admixture to concrete will be workable.
Design Constraints

This study will address the determining a more cost effective and efficient concrete mix
proportion usage while reducing the environmental impact of producing cement powder and
discarding of seashell waste. Realistic constraints about the objectives of this study in accordance
with standards were determined in terms of:

 Economic

Nearly 6,600 million of tons of concrete are produced globally each year nowadays.
2,800 million of tons of Portland cement, out of the 6,600 million tons, are produced
annually. This study offers a thorough economic evaluation of the impact that mixing
seashells with concrete would have on disposal lifespan and the advantages that local
seaside societies would experience. The concept of the concrete itself is also presented,
along with an axiomatic breakdown of the procedure for using mussel (Perna viridis) and
blue swimming crab (Portunus Pelagicus) shells in these community members.

 Sustainability

In this study, the durability and sustainability of each mix proportion were taken into
consideration. The basis combination and the most effective mix proportion were
evaluated for longevity assessment. The quantity of concrete mix chosen would match
these standards as per ASTM specifications. In order to produce recycled-aggregate
concrete (RAC) for construction application that possesses the same durability class as
reference concrete made with solely natural aggregates, natural aggregate can be totally
substituted. Industrial considerations that go well beyond the "greenness" of a particular
innovation must be taken into account for the concrete industry to be sustainable.

 Manufacturability

Throughout the process of the research, it was evaluated if it would be feasible to mix
concrete with pulverized mussel (Perna viridis) and blue swimming crab (Portunus
pelagicus) shell. The possibility to make the necessary concrete is made possible by the
proximity to the sea and the accessibility of seashells. This study examines every test
sample's production process for every targeted mix proportion. This evaluation lists and
describes the tools, supplies, mixing techniques, and testing protocols.

 Ethical

The civil engineers' code of ethics is adhered to in this venture. The objective of this
research study is to lessen the negative effects of seashell waste on the environment and
to use less cement powder while mixing concrete. Using less cement will reduce the
amount of CO2 released into the environment.

 Health and Safety

The first consideration for creating a workable additive for concrete that incorporates
pulverized blue swimming crab and mussel shells is safety. The chosen concrete's
strengths match the standards of the Rebound Hammer or Schmidt Hammer (ASTM
C805), Penetration Resistance Test (ASTM C803), Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (ASTM
C597), Pullout Test (ASTM C900), Drilled Core (ASTM C42), Cast-in-place Cylinders
(ASTM C873), and Wireless Maturity Sensors (ASTM C1074) specifications. Based on
the specified mix proportion, calculations were executed to guarantee the safety of the
concrete.
Method of Collecting Data

All concrete samples were prepared using comparable methods that adhered to ASTM
C805, C803, C597, and C900 standards. Based on instructive standards like ASTM C42, ASTM
C873, and ASTM C1074, several experiments will be carried out to evaluate the workability and
strength properties of both pulverized mussel (Perna viridis) and blue swimming crab (Portunus
pelagicus) shell and unmodified control mix concrete.

1. Characterization of Pulverized Mussel (Perna viridis) and Blue Swimming Crab

(Portunus pelagicus) Shell as Waste Materials
2. Characterization of Concrete Mix Proportion Components
a. Slump Test
Each mixture performed a slump test to determine its suitability for use.
3. Scientific Testing of Concrete
a. Compressive Strength Test
The failure load is multiplied by the cross-sectional area that is resisting
the load to yield the compressive strength. The measurements for this test are
recorded in megapascals or in pounds of force per square inch.
b. Split Tensile Test
Concrete is inclined to tensile splitting as a result of varying loads being
imposed, hence evaluating the tensile strength of concrete is important. In this
measurement, a concrete cylinder is placed on its side and subjected to a
homogeneous horizontal tensile stress at various depths. The formula for
calculating the tensile stress is ft= (2P)/(πDL).
c. Three-Point Bend Test
The modulus of rupture, which is a representation of the flexural strength,
can be used to estimate the tensile strength of concrete using three-point bend test.
Both psi and MPa can be used to express this test. The typical ratio of flexural
strength to compressive strength for a specimen is 10–20%. Concrete testing
frequently involves the use of flexural strength. To obtain a correlation between
the two for field control, a flexural test is also conducted on the same batch of
 concrete as the compressive strength test. fbt=(PL)/(bd2) can be used to determine
the rupture modulus.
d. Total Shrinkage Test
Concrete mix compositions frequently incorporate the total shrinkage test
for testing concrete. When concrete is used as a floor or pavement, shrinkage is
significant because if it fractures, the concrete's strength will decline, which could
lead to safety and construction difficulties. The use of shells as material has a
contrary impact on shrinkage; because of the lesser moderating effect and the
higher rate of water loss, enhanced shrinkage is brought on by utilizing shells as
admixtures..
e. X-ray Diffraction Test

Concrete testing uses X-ray diffraction to recognize the crystalline phases

present in the concrete.  This test is significant because it can indicate the strength
of slag cements, as well as the amount of hydration and glass content in
cementitious material.
REFERENCES

Moriconi, G. (2007, June). Recyclable materials in concrete technology: sustainability and

durability. In Sustainable construction materials and technologies, Proc. Special Sessions of
First inter. conf. on sustainable construction materials and technologies, Coventry, UK (pp. 11-
13).

Ramirez, A. (2015). Waste Shell Cement Composites (Doctoral dissertation, Worcester

Polytechnic Institute).