Mechanical Properties Enhancement of Concrete Sand Bulking using Egg Shell Ash Particulates

Abstract

The research work investigated the Pozzolanic and filling effects of the egg shell ash particulate on concrete sand bulking. The materials used are eggshell ash particulate, Otamili river sand, water and wooden mold. The sand bulking, workability, compressive and tensile strengths were tested with varying compositions of the egg shell ash (0%, 1%, 2% and up to 10%) in the mix. The regression statistical model was used to analyze the data. Results obtained showed that percentage sand bulking, compressive and tensile strengths were rising at 60 %, 45% and 41% respectively with the egg shell ash concentration due to the increased binding effect of the ash on the mix compositions while the workability decreased slightly owing to the increase in the water repellent property of the concrete mix with rise in eggshell ash concentration. These results are in consonance with the result of the statistical linear regression model obtained.  This indicates the positive use of agricultural wastes to tackle sand bulking and to produce sound and eco-friendly concretes, thus paving the way for a sustainable material development, shunning dependence on synthetic alternatives and above all maximizing industrial profit through the reduction of material input cost