Utilization of Cockle Shell Ash, Sea sand and Plastic Waste in the Manufacture of Paver Blocks

Department of Civil Engineering, Mangalam College of Engineering, Kerala, India

^* Corresponding author: silpacaroline@gmail.com

Abstract

The cockle shell is categorized as industrial waste and often disposed of in open dumping zones, especially in coastal areas. Therefore, an eco-friendly solution to this disposal issue is crucial, as it can transform waste into a high-value product, such as a partial cement replacement. Also, as there is a growing interest in using alternatives to sand as a replacement for fine aggregate in concrete, in this study we used plastic coated sea sand as a partial replacement for fine aggregate. The design mix is formulated for a non-traffic application, with varying percentages of cockle shell ash and plastic-coated sea sand replacing cement and fine aggregate, respectively. Two curing methods, normal water curing and accelerated curing, are applied. The samples are then tested for compression strength and water absorption after 28 days of curing. The findings indicate that compressive strength value increased with increase in both cockle shell ash content as well as plastic coated sea sand content. The water absorption value increased with increase in cockle shell ash content and decreased with increase in plastic coated sea sand content. Hence, this composite material is suitable for use in paver blocks.