AS AN ADDITIVE COMPONENT IN
HOLLOW BLOCK MAKING
Abstract Hollow blocks have an important place in modern building industry. They are cost effective and better alternative to burnt clay bricks by virtue of their good durability, fire resistance, partial resistance to sound, thermal insulation, small dead load and high speed of construction. Hollow blocks being usually larger in size than the normal clay building bricks and less mortar is required, faster of construction is achieved. The aim of this study is to find out if Perna Viridis (Green mussel) shells can be a good additive in hollow block making. Twenty-five (25) grams of Perna Viridis (green mussel) shells was collected, pound and sieved. This was added to the materials used in hollow block making. Three (3) treatments were made with three (3) replicates. Commercial hollow blocks were used to compare with the different treatments in terms of impact strength and porosity. The result of the study showed that the commercial hollow blocks have less impact strength compared to Perna viridis hollow block (T1) which has the greatest strength (47.5) and T2 and T3 has the same impact strength (45). On the other hand, the commercial hollow blocks have the greatest porosity compared to the would be hollow blocks (Perna Viridis (green mussel) shells) . The study concluded that Perna Viridis (green mussel) shells can be used as a good additive in hollow block making in terms of impact strength and porosity. However, further studies are needed before recommending Perna Viridis (green mussel) shells for hollow block making.
Statement of the Problem This study was conducted to utilize green mussel (Perna viridis) shell as an additive component in hollow block making.
Specifically, it will seek to answer the following problems:
1. Can green mussel (Perna viridis) shell be a good additive in hollow block making?
2. Is there a significant