Concrete is the most commonly used material in construction projects. It is used for everything from foundations to walls to floors. There are many reasons for its popularity: it’s strong, durable and versatile. But another big factor in its favor is that it’s relatively inexpensive.
However, not all concrete is the same. There are many different types of concrete that vary in important properties such as workability, setting time, durability and mechanical properties. In this article, we will be reviewing shell aggregate concrete and the key effect that shell has on concrete.
What Is Shell Aggregate Concrete?
Plain concrete is a composite material made of a combination of aggregates, cement and water. Portland cement concrete is the most common type and is made from Portland cement, aggregate and water. Of the different types of concrete, one, in particular, is known as shell aggregate concrete.
Shell aggregate concrete is made by adding mussel shells to the mix of concrete. Mussel shell is a natural aggregate that is abundant and inexpensive. It has high compressive strength and a low absorption rate. When added to concrete, it increases the strength and durability of the mixture and provides a variety of other benefits as well.
This type of concrete is becoming increasingly popular due to its many benefits, which include improved strength and durability, reduced weight and increased resistance to weathering and chemical attacks. Shell aggregate concrete is also known for its superior sound absorption properties, making it an ideal choice for use in noise-sensitive areas such as hospitals and schools.
Another key benefit of shell aggregate concrete is its reduced carbon footprint when compared to traditional concrete mixes. This is due to the fact that mussel shell is a natural material that does not require the mining and processing of raw materials.
Key Effects Of Shell Aggregate Concrete
Adding mussel shells to your concrete mixture creates some unique properties within the concrete that are very beneficial to many construction project use cases. These effects include:
Faster Setting Time
Concrete is a material that is used in many construction projects. It is made of cement, sand, gravel and water. When concrete is initially mixed, it is in a liquid state. Once it is poured into a form and left to set, it gradually becomes harder and more durable.
The setting time of the concrete is important because if it sets too quickly, the concrete will not be able to hold the weight of the object that it is supporting. If the setting time is too long, the concrete will become hard and brittle. Shell aggregate can help to create a better setting time and lead to more durable and tough concrete mixes.
Reduced Permeability
One of the drawbacks of common forms of concrete is that it is not very permeable. This can be a problem because it can lead to the formation of hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure of water or any other liquid at rest in a contained space, such as within a concrete mixture.
If the hydrostatic pressure builds up too much, it can cause the concrete to crack and fail in a shorter time due to extreme heat environments or poor breathability. In order to overcome this issue, some contractors add mussel shells to the concrete mix.
Mussel shell is a natural aggregate that is very porous. Adding it to the concrete mix helps to improve the permeability of the concrete and prevents the buildup of hydrostatic pressure.
Improved Workability
Concrete workability is the ability of the concrete mixture to be placed and compacted in the desired location. This is important because if the concrete is not workable, it can be difficult to place and may not meet the specifications for the project.
In order to ensure that the concrete is workable, the ingredients and proportions of the mix must be carefully controlled. Mussel shell can be added to concrete to improve its workability. The shell helps to create a more cohesive mix that is easier to place and compact. This can help reduce labor costs and improve the quality of the finished product.
The Importance Of Shell For Concrete
Adding mussel shells to concrete mixtures can provide some important improvements to the characteristics of the concrete. Not only does it make it more workable and durable, but it also helps to reduce setting times and permeability, which are two key factors that make common concrete a less than desirable choice for many projects.
If you have been looking for a new type of concrete to begin using in projects that require these characteristics, we encourage you to see if mussel shell aggregate concrete is right for your next project. For more information and to see if mussel shell concrete is right for your needs, contact the team at Barclay Earth Depot today at 941-933-4448.
