Development of Alkali-Activated Materials Incorporating Seashell and Fly Ash as Sustainable Construction Materials

Lee, Mun Ann (2026) Development of Alkali-Activated Materials Incorporating Seashell and Fly Ash as Sustainable Construction Materials. Final Year Project (Diploma), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

The construction industry is a major contributor to carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, primarily due to the extensive use of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), prompting research into sustainable alternatives. This research investigates the use of coal fly ash, biomass fly ash, and seashell powder—a calcium-rich food waste—as precursors for alkali-activated materials (AAMs) to reduce environmental impact and waste generation. Fly ash-based AAMs were produced using coal fly ash and biomass fly ash as the aluminosilicate sources, while seashell powder was added in varying amounts (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) to assess its effect on AAM performance. Samples were cured at room temperature for the first 24 hours, followed by oven curing at 60 °C for 24 hours, and then stored at room temperature for 14 or 28 days. Compressive strength, bulk density measurement, and functional group analysis (FTIR) were performed, revealing that 5% seashell powder produced the highest compressive strength after 28-days (834.67 kPa), while higher additions (10–15%) reduced workability and strength. FTIR confirmed chemical changes and the formation of C–A–S–H gel in mixtures containing seashell powder. These results indicate that incorporating up to 5% seashell powder can enhance the strength of fly ash-based AAMs while promoting the reuse of waste materials, demonstrating the potential of such additives to reduce OPC consumption and support environmentally sustainable construction