Citation :

Matthew Kwaw Somiah, Eric Awere, Jeriscot Henry Quayson, Isaac Yaw Manu, "Effect of Chicken Eggshell Powder and Coconut Shell Ash Blend on Workability, Microstructure, and Mechanical Performance of Concrete," International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 13, no. 5, pp. 18-31, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I5P102

Abstract

This study evaluates the workability, microstructure, and mechanical performance of concrete with cement partially replaced with a blend of Chicken Eggshell Powder and Coconut Shell Ash. Concrete specimens were prepared with Portland limestone cement partially replaced with Chicken Eggshell Powder (CESP) and Coconut Shell Ash (CSA) blend in proportions of 0%, 5%,10%,15%, and 20%. Tests conducted included XRF, slump, compressive strength, and flexural strength tests. The study revealed slump values for all levels of partial replacement to be a true slump, S1: 10-40 mm slump, thus suitable for low-workability applications, and that workability decreased as percentages of partial replacement increased. Compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths rose progressively to 10% partial replacement levels at ages 7 days, 28 days, and 63 days, beyond which compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths decreased. Compressive strength at 28 days was 22.30 N/mm2, 22.75 N/mm2, 23.40 N/mm2, 19.12 N/mm2, and 16.12 N/mm2 for 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% respectively, with 10% being the optimum level of replacement. The study was geographically limited to Ghana, and CESP and CSA were sourced locally.42.5 R Portland composite cement was used for the experiment. A regression model to guide construction practitioners in obtaining optimum compressive strength in CESP and CSA blended concrete was developed. The study found an alternative use for the CESP and CSA blend, agricultural waste polluting the environment, in concrete production, thereby promoting material circularity, waste valorization, and sustainability. Incorporating CESP and CSA blended concrete has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of cement concrete, combat climate change, and thus address SDG 13: Climate Action. The study has established the chemical composition of CESP and CSA blend, which hitherto was not known, likewise the effect of CESP and CSA blend on workability, compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and microstructure of a concrete.

Keywords

Cementitious, Concrete, Materials, Sustainability, Ghana.

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