Effect of ground cockle shell ash as partial cement replacement on compressive strength of mortar

The increasing limestone quarrying to supply the need of cement manufacturing trade cause environmental degradation. The expanding cockle industry causes larger quantity of cockle shell waste thrown thus resulting in pollution. The current research examines the influence of integrating ash formed from incinerated cockle shell as partial cement replacement on flowability and compressive strength of mortar. Finely ground cockle shell ash were incorporated at the range of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60% by weight of cement in mortar mix. All 7 types of mortar mixes were prepared in form of cubes and cured via continuous immersion in water until the testing age. Flowability test and compressive strength test were applied to inspect the mortar flowability properties and compressive strength respectively. Approach of blending cockle shell ash increases flowability of mortar. Encouraging strength increment is noted upon combination of 10% cockle shell ash in mortar. However, the mortar begins to lose strength when 20% of ash and more were integrated. Generally, option of including cockle shell waste as mixing ingredient in cement production promotes establishment of cleaner surrounding.