Properties of cement sand brick containing finely crushed cockle shell as partial fine aggregate replacement

Abstract

Research towards producing environmental friendly cement sand brick stems out from the environmental problem caused by dumping of cockle shell by cockle trade and the increasing river sand mining. This paper discusses the effect of finely crushed cockle shell as partial fine aggregate replacement towards compressive strength, flexural strength and water absorption of cement sand brick. A total of six mixes have been used in this experimental work. Brick produced 100% river sand is considered as control specimen. Another type of mix was prepared by adding a range of crushed cockle shell that is 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% as partial fine aggregate replacement. All mixes were subjected to water curing until the testing age. Both compressive strength test and flexural strength were conducted at 7, 28 and 60 days. The findings shows that integration of 30% finely crushed cockle shell increase the compressive strength and flexural strength of brick. The same mix also exhibits the lowest water absorption value. Utilization of crushed cockle shell as partial fine aggregate replacement that acts as filler makes the internal structure of brick become denser and stronger. Success in incorporating cockle shell waste in brick production would assist in reducing quantity of shell disposed by cockle trade as solid waste and lower the consumption of natural river sand.