Innovation In The Use Of Shell Powder And Construction Waste (Concrete) As A Substitute Of Sand In The Paving Blocks Mixture

Abstract

This study discusses innovation in the production of paving blocks by replacing part of the sand in the mixture with shell powder and concrete construction waste. The main objective of this research is to test the effectiveness of using these waste materials as an alternative material in the construction industry, especially in the manufacture of paving blocks. Experiments were carried out by replacing sand at different percentages with shell powder and concrete waste. Test results show that mixtures containing these alternative materials are able to achieve equivalent or better compressive strength compared to conventional mixtures. This study investigates the innovative use of shell powder and construction waste (concrete) as a partial substitute for sand in paving block mixes. The research focused on the compressive strength achieved after implementing this innovation. The results showed that the optimal mix containing 5% of the alternative material produced pavement blocks with compressive strength equivalent to the control block containing 0% replacement. The study showed that shell powder and construction waste can effectively replace some sand in the production of paving blocks, resulting in a compressive strength of 45.41 MPa, comparable to conventional paving blocks without admixture. The degradation tests for all three mixtures exhibited true degradation characteristics. This innovation not only maintains structural integrity but also offers potential benefits in reducing production costs and minimizing the environmental impact associated with sand extraction and waste disposal. This study concludes that the use of shell powder and concrete waste as a partial substitute for sand in the manufacture of paving blocks is viable and offer sustainable solutions for the construction industry.