Concrete Design Mixture Pavement with Powdered Seashells as Partial Replacement for Fine Aggregates and Coconut fiber as Admixture

The Philippines which is located at the Pacific Ring of Fire experiences several typhoons every year that lead to disasters that result frequent rain that causes road deterioration. The residents of Brgy Ikirin, Pagbilao Quezon experienced cracking of concrete pavement, unleveled pavement, and potholes, As a result, the researchers had proposed a study of design of concrete mixture pavement with powdered seashells as partial replacement for fine aggregates and coconut fiber as admixture. The researchers analyzed the physical and chemical properties of the industrial wastes used as materials in the study. The researcher used different proportions of powdered seashells and coconut fiber for three (3) trials, having %% for powdered seashells for the three trial mixtures, and 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75%% for coconut fiber. The study involves testing methods such as the compressive strength test, the water absorption test, and the density test, to evaluate the performance of the designed concrete mixture compared to traditional concrete mix. The researchers had fabricated a total of sixteen (15) specimens for the study which were cured for 7 days and were tested at MegaTesting Center Inc. Lucena, Quezon. The study found out that the designed mixture M3 which has 5% powedered seashell and 0.5% coconut fiber as partial replacement has attained the highest value of compressive strength among the other trial mixtures. M3 with compressive strength of 1923 Psi was compared to the required strength of 1750 Psi for 7-days curing of concrete with 2500 Psi at 28-days curing. The mixture M3 also has an absorption rate of 4.37% which is lower compared to the controlled mixture with 4.58% that indicates the mixture has fewer voids. The mixture M3 also has a density of 2369 kg/m3. It also has a fabrication cost of 427 Php compared to the traditional mixture worth 430 Php. As concluded, the researchers suggest the use of designed mixture M3 as concrete pavement mixture for the residents of Brgy Ikrin , Pagbilao Quezon, since it has increased strength and cost efficiency compared to traditional concrete mix.