CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study
Concrete is a stone like material obtained by permitting a carefully
proportioned mixture of cement, sand, and gravel or other aggregate, and
water to harden in forms of the shape and dimensions of the desired structure.
The bulk of the material consists of fine and coarse aggregate. Cement and
water interact chemically to bind the aggregate particles into a solid mass.
Additional water, over and above that needed for this chemical reaction, is
necessary to give the mixture the workability that enables it to fill the forms
and surround the embedded reinforcing steel prior to hardening (Nilson,
1997).
Cement is a soft gray powdery substance made with calcined lime and
clay. It is mixed with water to form mortar or mixed with sand, gravel, and
water to make concrete (Oxford Dictionaries, 2014). It is a mixture of various
chemical compounds. All ingredients have their own specific roles to play and
impart different properties to cement. Ratio of all ingredients is required to be
maintained to get the desired quality (Cescientist, 2013).
Cement is composed of 60-65% of lime or calcium oxide (CaO) which
controls the strength and soundness of the cement. Excess amount of lime

makes the cement unsound and causes the cement to expand and disintegrate.
In case of deficiency, the strength of the cement is decreased and cement sets
quickly (Cescientist, 2013).
Bivalve shells where clam shells belong are almost always composed
of polymorphs of calcium carbonateeither calcite or aragonite (Yechelson,
1975). Calcium carbonate (CaCO
2
) when heated produces lime or calcium
oxide and carbon dioxide (CO
2
) (Shakhashiri, 2010).

1.2 Statement of the Problem
In this study, a comparative investigation of the compressive strength
of concrete is conducted using Portland cement and variants of Portland-
cement-and-pulverized-clam-shell proportions cement mixtures as partial
cement replacement.

This study seeks to answer the following questions:
1. How will the compressive strength of concrete vary with the amount of
pulverized clam shell as partial cement replacement?
2. Will the compressive strength of concrete be affected when certain
percentage of pulverized clam shell is added to the Portland cement?
3. How will the compressive strength of concrete vary with the water-cement
proportion?

1.3 Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this research are as follows:
1. To determine the relationship between amount of pulverized clam shell as
partial cement replacement and the compressive strength of the concrete
produced;
2. To evaluate the compressive strength of concrete when a certain
percentage of pulverized clam shell as partial cement replacement is added
to the Portland Type I cement;
3. To determine the relationship between the water-cement proportion and
the compressive strength of concrete produced.

1.4 Significance of the Study
Limestone is one of the raw materials needed in making cement
(Thomas, 2014). Limestone quarrying has effects on the natural geography
and rises issues on health concerns (Langer, 2001). It is also an expensive
arrangement.
Clam shells after being consumed as a source of food is considered
garbage. Since it non-biodegradable it fills spaces in land fills. Some are
seldom utilized in some ways such as being recycled to ornaments.
Finding solutions to the above mentioned environmental problems
proves that this study is of great importance. Aside from that, this study would
also give us more knowledge on finding more practical and cheaper way of
sustaining societys construction demands without compromising any further
our own resources.
1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study deals with the compressive strength of concrete. Primarily,
it focuses on the evaluation of this parameter using pulverized clam shells as
partial cement replacement. Specimens tested are prepared using Type 1
Portland cement with pulverized clam shells or solely Type 1 Portland cement.
Washed sand and concrete aggregates are used as fine and coarse
aggregates, respectively. Clam shells are collected from the shores of Brgy.
Lobogon, Aloran, Misamis Occidental. Besides, cement: fine aggregates:
coarse aggregates proportion of 1:2:3 is used with variation of water-cement
ratio of 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55 and 0.6. Furthermore, Type 1 Portland cement:
pulverized clam shells proportions to be tested are 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30,
60:40, 50:50 and 40:60. There are 70 samples prepared and tested. In addition,
100 mm diameter x 200 mm high cylindrical molds made of PVC pipes are
used in the casting of the specimens. All activities, including sample
preparation and testing are done in the College of Engineering of MSU-IIT.