The effect of cement replacement with eggshell powder on the sorptivity index of concrete

Abstract

Most concrete structures undergo severe durability issues throughout their service of life. The transition and movement of water through concrete structures is one of the main issues in the aspect of durability. The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of cement replacement in various ratios with eggshell powder on the sorptivity (capillarity water absorption) capacity of concrete. Eggshell is a bio-waste material obtained from bakers, restaurants, and patisseries. Disposing of this waste material in landfills results in health hazards and causes environmental pollution. The use of eggshell powder in concrete, which is the most used and essential building material after water all over the world, is a beneficial way both minimize the detrimental effects of this waste on living health and the environment and also ensure the sustainability of the materials in concrete. In this paper, five different eggshell powder substitutions as 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% were employed in experimental analyses. The sorptivity index of concretes was measured at the end of each 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. The test results indicated that the sorptivity namely capillary water absorption decreased with up to a level of 5% replacement and increased with the other replacement ratios including 10%, 15%, and 20% when compared with the control concrete’s result. This is attributed to the ESP may act as a better inert filler when replaced with cement up to a level of 5% to reduce the capillary pore, increase the compactness of concrete microstructure, impermeability and restrain the transition of water in the concrete structure.