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Carbonation of concrete containing mussel (Perna viridis) shell ash

Muhamad Hasif Hussin (Department of Structural and Material Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia)
Nor Hazurina Othman (Department of Structural and Material Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia)
Mohd. Haziman Wan Ibrahim (Department of Structural and Material Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia)

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology

ISSN: 1726-0531

Article publication date: 16 May 2019

Issue publication date: 3 September 2019

145

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the use of calcined mussel shell (CMS) ash–cement mix in concrete that is found to increase the concrete resistance against carbonation.

Design/methodology/approach

The deposited ash from the calcination of the mussel shells at 1000°C was used to replace the ordinary Portland cement at 5 and 7 per cent of the cement weight. The test results from the control concrete specimens were compared to the test results from the experimental concrete specimens to analyse the effects due to the said replacements. Carbonation was carried out naturally in the environment where the concentration of the carbon dioxide gas was at 0.03 per cent, the relative humidity of 65 per cent and the temperature of 27°C for a maximum period of 120 days. Measurement of carbonation depth was taken in accordance to the BS EN 13295: 2004. The carbonation resistance of the concrete was assessed based on the degree of compliance with the common design life requirement of 50 years. The filler effect from the CMS was verified using the capillary absorption test (ASTM C1585: 2013) and the electron microscope.

Findings

Experimental concrete specimens containing 5 and 7 per cent of the CMS ash demonstrated better carbonation resistance compared to the control concrete specimens with a minimum attainable design life of 56 years which can reach a maximum of 62 years. Capillary absorption test results indicated that the concrete pores have been effected by the said filler effect and visual observation from the electron microscope confirmed, solidifying the statement.

Originality/value

The CMS ash is proven to contribute to the concrete’s resistance against carbonation. Also, the CMS ash is synthesized from waste materials which have contributed to the application of the green material in the concrete technology.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge funding from the Postgraduate Research Grant (GPPS) Vot No. H353, received from the Research Management Centre for the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (RMC UTHM), and the facilities provided by the Jamilus Research Centre (JRC UTHM) for the success of this research works.

Citation

Hussin, M.H., Othman, N.H. and Wan Ibrahim, M.H. (2019), "Carbonation of concrete containing mussel (Perna viridis) shell ash", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 17 No. 5, pp. 904-928. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-12-2018-0228

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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