Assessing the strength and durability behaviour of concrete enhanced with kaolin clay and Shea nut shell particles

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the individual and combined effect of kaolin clay (KC) and shea nut shell particles (SSP) on the physical, strength, and durability properties of concrete. The cement content was replaced with up to 20% KC, and the fine aggregate content was replaced with up to 40% SSP. The concrete samples were cured for 7, 14, 28, and 90 days, and tested. The total S_iO₂+Al₂O₃+Fe₂O₃ content of the KC studied was 88.23%; hence, it possesses pozzolanic properties. Initial and final setting times of the KC pastes steadily increased to 154 min and 325 min at the 20% KC representing 37.5% and 14.4% increase over the control. The control mix obtained a workability value of 102 mm, and decreased steadily to 68 mm at the 20% KC and 40% SSP concrete mix, representing 50% reduction. Maximum compressive and split tensile strength values of 25.97 N/mm² and 4.14 N/mm² were obtained at the 15% KC and 30% SSP concrete, representing 9% and 5% increase over the control concrete respectively in 90 days curing. Furthermore, concrete with 15% KC and 30% SSP recorded 61.5% and 22.1% decrease in water absorption and sulfate attack, over the control concrete respectively in 90 days curing. It is concluded that the addition of KC and SSP positively influenced the physical, strength and durability of concrete, and therefore recommend 15% KC and 30% SSP replacements of cement and fine aggregate respectively for concrete production.

Keywords:

• Kaolin clay
• Shea nut shell
• compressive strength
• split tensile strength
• water absorption

Reviewing Editor:

• Ian Phillip Jones
• University of Birmingham
• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Subjects:

• Building and construction
• Architecture
• Sustainable Development

Acknowledgement

This work is part of a PhD Thesis in Construction Technology in the School of Graduate Studies, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development. We therefore acknowledge the contributions of Staff and Laboratory Technicians of the Building Technology and Estate Management Department of the Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, Wa and the Ghana Highway Authority Materials Division, Wa.

Authors contributions

Zievie Patrick wrote the entire research Thesis from which this paper was produced. Peter Paa-Kofi Yalley, Humphrey Danso and Kwaku Antwi supervised the thesis from conceptualization, literature review, methodology, data analysis, and manuscript writing.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Raw experimental data were generated at the Building Technology and Estate Management Department laboratory at the Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, Wa, Ghana. Processed data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author (Z.P) on request.

Additional information

Funding

The full cost of this research work was borne by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Patrick Zievie

Zievie Patrick is an academic staff with the Building Technology and Estate Management Department of the Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, Wa, Ghana. He is currently a final year student pursuing PhD programme in Construction Technology at the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, Kumasi, Ghana. He is being supervised and mentored by two Professors of the University, Prof. Peter Paa-Kofi Yalley and Prof. Humphrey Danso. Zievie Patrick is a Professional member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology-Ghana (IET-Gh). His research interest areas include production of alternative designs and materials for cost saving rural housing and indigenous construction practices.