Oluwarotimi Olofinnade ^1* Paul Awoyera ^2* Kelvin Edemirukewa ¹ Kunle Ogundipe ³

• ¹ Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Nigeria
• ² Department of Civil Engineering, Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University, Al Kobar, Saudi Arabia
• ³ Department of Construction Management & Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092,, South Africa

In recent The growingtimes, increasing demand for raw aggregate has emphasized made it imperative for the need for construction industry to adopt sustainable practices embrace sustainability by exploring seeking alternative materials, such as from agro-waste, to address mitigate raw resource depletion and reduce environmental pollution. Consequently, this This current study investigated the suitability of combining discarded periwinkle shell (PWKS) and palm kernel shell (PMKS) at low-replacement volumes dosages to partially substitute granite in ecofriendly load-bearing cement-based interlocking paver units for use on medium-duty traffic roads. 108 paver samples were produced, targeting a 28-day strength of 30 MPa, using a mix proportion of 1:1:2 (cement: sand: granite) and water-cement ratio of 0.50. Physical and chemical compositions of Mmaterials used in this study are examinedcharacterise, while the produced hardened paver samples were tested for their water absorption, compressive and split-tensile strengths and water absorption properties. The influence of curing (immersion and open air) on the strength development was evaluated. Findings showed that the shells recorded low physical properties but increased water intake tendency. A gradual decrease in the strength performances of the pavers was observed as the amount of PWKS and PMKS increases in the mixes. The water absorption tendency increases with increasing PMKS and PWKS levels. Pavers cured by complete immersion in water recorded good strength and achieved the 30 MPa compared to open air cured pavers. This study recommends load-bearing pavers of up to 30 MPa can be made by combining PMKS and PWKS at a low-replacement level of 5% deployed for medium-traffic roads, but with adequate curing technique. Outcomes showed the viability of incorporating periwinkle and palm kernel shells as aggregate in making standard paver units of adequate strength and resistance to water some agricultural waste in making standard paver units to promote a circular economy and sustainable construction practices. green infrastructures.