CHARACTERISTIC INVESTIGATION OF CONCRETE USING EGG SHELL POWDER AND SILICA FUME POWDER

Abstract

 The growing need for sustainable construction materials has prompted the search for other materials as a substitute for cement in concrete to some extent. This research examines the performance of concrete using eggshell powder (ESP) and silica fume (SF) as partial cement replacement to improve the strength as well as lower the environmental impact. Eggshell powder, which was a bio-waste material rich in calcium carbonate, and silica fume, which was a highly reactive material of industry, were used in various proportions to produce different mixes of concrete. The compressive strength, workability, durability, and microstructural characteristics were to be evaluated through experimental analysis. The findings have shown that addition of ESP enhances the packing of the particles and minimizes the number of voids, and silica fume plays a role in the strengthening of the particles through pozzolanic reactions that create more calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) gel. The synergistic effect of the ESP and SF was observed where the compressive strength of the combination of the two was greater than that of the replacements and the normal concrete. Nevertheless, there was a decrease in workability with an increase in replacement levels because of the increase in surface area of fine particles. The properties related to durability, like water absorption and permeability, were enhanced, which means that there was a denser and refined microstructure. The results affirm that the ideal ratios of ESP and SF can be used to generate environmentally friendly, economical, and high-performance concrete to be used in structures. It was also a method that enhances the use of waste and helps to diminish the amount of carbon that was emitted during the manufacture of cement.