Physical Properties of Interlocking Blocks Containing Ground Eggshell Waste
Arthorn Chuphonsat, Udomvit Chaisakulkiet* and Sumrerng Rukzon* Author for corresponding; e-mail address: udomvit.k@rmutr.ac.th, udomvitchaisakulkiet.rmutr.ac.th@gmail.com
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9768-1737
Volume: Vol.53 No.3 (May 2026)
Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12982/CMJS.2026.040
Received: 20 November 2025, Revised: 28 December 2025, Accepted: 5 January 2026, Published: 23 April 2026
Citation: Chuphonsat A., Chaisakulkiet U. and Rukzon S., Physical properties of interlocking blocks containing ground eggshell waste. Chiang Mai Journal of Science, 2026; 53(3): e2026040. DOI 10.12982/CMJS.2026.040.
Graphical Abstract
Abstract
This research investigates the physical properties of small interlocking blocks made from Type 1 Portland cement (OPC), ground chicken eggshell waste (EC), and ground duck eggshell waste (ED). Various mixing ratios of OPC:EC and OPC:ED at 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5 based on the weight of the binder material were employed to assess general characteristics, including weight, water absorption, density, and compressive strength of the interlocking blocks. The findings reveal that the 1:3 mixing ratio (OPC:EC and OPC:ED) is the most effective compared to other ratios. An increase in the amounts of EC and ED generally leads to higher water absorption in the blocks. Specifically, the water absorption of blocks containing EC is lower than that of those made with ED. Additionally, the density of the blocks decreases as the proportion of both types of eggshell increases, with blocks made from EC exhibiting a higher density than those made from ED. Furthermore, the test results indicate that the compressive strength of blocks mixed with EC surpasses that of blocks mixed with ED.
1. INTRODUCTION
Interlocking blocks are construction materials designed for strength, ease of use, and rapid installation. Typically, these blocks feature grooves, holes, and protrusions that facilitate both horizontal and vertical interlocking [1–3]. They do not require mortar for the initial placement; instead, the blocks can be stacked and filled with mortar in the holes or grooves, allowing for quick construction while maintaining good structural stability [4–7]. Nonetheless, it is important to note that interlocking blocks tend to be heavy. When utilized for wall construction, the load-bearing structure must be adequately sized to support the weight of the blocks [6–7]. Generally, the width-to-length ratio of interlocking blocks is 1:2 [8-10]. For instance, a block with a width of 12.5 cm will have a length of 25 cm and a thickness of 10 cm [11].
The volume of waste generated is increasing each year due to rising consumption levels. As the population grows, so does the amount of waste produce. Even though some types of waste are biodegradable, non-biodegradable waste can lead to significant environmental issues [12, 13]. One example of such garbage is eggshell waste from the food processing industry [14-16]. The accumulation of eggshell waste can harbor harmful pathogens, posing health risks. Given that chicken and duck eggs are widely consumed, the process results in substantial amounts of eggshell waste. Previous studies have investigated the potential use of eggshells in construction materials [17-19]. For example, Nandhini and Karthikeyan, Ahmad et al., and Lejano et al., investigated the application of eggshell waste in evaluating the compressive strength of mortar and concrete [20-22]. Therefore, utilizing eggshell waste in Thailand could contribute to waste reduction and decrease environmental pollution.
Researchers have been drawn to the study of producing interlocking blocks from eggshell waste. The objective of this study is to create smaller and lighter blocks, which would reduce the necessary size of structural support, while repurposing eggshell waste generated from food processing as a construction material. Moreover, this study aims to contribute to reducing environmental impact. The innovative aspect of this research is the use of two types of eggshells, i.e., chicken and duck, ground into fine particles and mixed with Type 1 Portland cement to create interlocking blocks using a manual compression machine. The investigation focused on the physical properties of these small interlocking blocks made with eggshell waste for potential construction applications.
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1 Materials
Type 1 Portland cement (OPC) was used as the binder. The eggshell waste consisted of two types: ground chicken eggshells (EC) and ground duck eggshells (ED), collected from Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province. Eggshell waste was cleaned, dried, and then processed in a Los Angeles Abrasion Machine. For each grinding cycle, 10 kg of eggshell waste was loaded into a Los Angeles Abrasion Machine. The grinding media consisted of 30 steel rods with varying diameters: 18 rods of 12 mm, 9 rods of 14 mm, and 3 rods of 18 mm. The grinding process was conducted for approximately 30 minutes.
The eggshells were washed and dried, then ground using a crushing machine. Sieve analysis indicated that the material passed through a No. 16 sieve, while particles remained on a No. 200 sieve. The chemical and physical properties of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and the ground eggshells are presented in Table 1. The particle size distribution of ground chicken eggshells and ground duck eggshells are shown in Figure 1.
2.2 Mix Design
The mold size for the small interlocking blocks was 6.25 cm wide, 12.5 cm long, and 5 cm thick. Mixing ratios of OPC:EC and OPC:ED at 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5 by weight were used. This work chooses the OPC:EC/ED ratios of 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5 because they mirror the standard volume or mass proportions used for traditional mortar and masonry cement.
OPC and ground eggshell powder were mixed thoroughly. The research procedures are shown in Figure 2. The mix proportions are shown in Table 2.
The mixture was poured into a manual interlocking block press. Each sample weighed approximately 934 g. The press was closed to compress the block (Figure 3). The sample was compressed using a force in kilonewtons (kN), with dwell compression energy and time. The samples were removed and tested for physical and mechanical properties.
2.3 Curing
After demolding, the blocks were placed in a shaded area for 1 day. Afterward, they were sprayed with water and wrapped with plastic to prevent moisture loss, and then moist-cured until the testing age. Sun-curing was avoided because rapid water evaporation inhibits cement hydration and reduces strength.
2.4 Water Absorption and Density Testing
Water absorption and density were tested according to the Community Product Standard for interlocking blocks [23]. Testing was conducted at 28 days of curing.
2.5 Compressive Strength Testing
Compressive strength was tested according to the Thai Community Product Standard for interlocking blocks [23]. Because interlocking blocks contain grooves and holes for mortar, these cavities were filled with mortar and allowed to harden before testing. Capping was performed as in standard concrete tests. Compressive strength was tested at 7 and 28 days.
3. RESULTS
3.1 General Characteristics and Weight
Table 3 displays the visual inspection and measurements of the small interlocking blocks. The average block dimensions were 6.37 cm in width, 12.8 cm in length, and 5.1 cm in thickness. For OPC:EC ratios of 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5, the average block weights were 0.609, 0.574, and 0.548 kg, respectively. For OPC:ED ratios of 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5, the average weights were 0.592, 0.546, and 0.526 kg. The results indicate that interlocking blocks containing chicken eggshells were slightly heavier than those with duck eggshells because duck eggshell powder could not pack into voids as effectively, resulting in internal void spaces and lower weight. This pattern is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.
3.2 Water Absorption and Density
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the water absorption and density results at 28 days. Water absorption for OPC:EC at 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5 was 230, 244, and 277 kg/m³, respectively. For OPC:ED, the values were 280, 299, and 312 kg/m³. Duck eggshell mixes exhibited higher absorption due to greater internal voids. In addition, chicken eggshells contain a higher proportion of CaCO₃, enhancing chemical reactions and increasing compactness [5, 24, 25]. Water absorption of OPC:EC blocks was 230 to 277 kg/m³, which fell below the maximum allowable limit of 288 kg/m³ for load-bearing interlocking blocks per the Thai Community Product Standard [23]. However, OPC:ED at 1:4 and 1:5 was above the standard limit at 299 and 312 kg/m³, respectively.
Densities for OPC:EC at 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5 were 1,507, 1,362, and 1,257 kg/m³. The values of OPC:ED were 1,470, 1,329, and 1,034 kg/m³. The optimal mix for both eggshell types was 1:3, which yielded lower absorption and higher density. The study showed that as eggshell content increased, density decreased [26, 27] because ground eggshell particles were angular and created interparticle resistance, making compaction difficult at high contents. Figure 8 shows the inverse relationship: as water absorption decreases, density increases [27].
3.3 Compressive Strength at 7 and 28 Days
Results are shown in Figure 9. Compressive strength increased with curing age but decreased with higher eggshell content. At 28 days, compressive strengths for OPC:EC at 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5 were 3.1, 2.9, and 2.6 MPa. For OPC:ED, they were 2.7, 2.6, and 2.6 MPa, all of which have exceeded the minimum 2.5 MPa standard for non-load-bearing interlocking blocks [20]. The test indicated that the optimal ratio for both eggshell types was 1:3. Chicken eggshell mixes had a higher compressive strength due to the filler effect [20-22, 27]. This is due to chicken eggshells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which can be over 90% of the shell's dry weight. The calcium carbonate is arranged in a crystalline form, often as calcite, which provides the shell with its rigidity and mechanical strength. Figure 10 illustrates the relationship among compressive strength, density, and water absorption. Higher density leads to higher strength and lower absorption.
4. CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate that chicken and duck eggshell waste can be utilized with Type I Portland cement to create small interlocking blocks that comply with the standards for non-load-bearing interlocking blocks. Chicken eggshell waste shows slightly superior physical performance compared to duck eggshell waste. The blocks made with chicken eggshells demonstrated greater weight, strength, and density, along with reduced water absorption. The ideal mix ratio for producing small interlocking blocks using both types of eggshells is 1:3. This research stresses the potential of upcycling eggshell waste into valuable construction materials, which contributes to improved waste management.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This work was supported by lab of Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, Nakhon Pathom, 73170 Thailand.
AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS
Arthorn Chuphonsat: Conceptualization, Methodology, Resources, Project administration. Udomvit Chaisakulkiet: Analysis, Reviewing and Editing. Sumrerng Rukzon: Analysis, Data curation, Writing - Original draft preparation.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT
The author declares no conflict of interest.
DECLARATION OF USE OF GENERATIVE AI
The author utilized Gemini to conduct literature research.
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