Abstract To evaluate the practical application of crushed oyster shells (OS) as construction materials, an experimental study was performed based on equal materials proportion and the partial replacement of saturated-surface-dry (SSD) sand with dry oyster shell. More specifically, the long-term mechanical properties and durability of concrete with OS partially substituted for fine aggregate were investigated. Test results indicate that long-term strength of concrete with 10% OS replacement is almost identical to that of normal concrete. However, the long-term strength of concrete with 20% OS replacement is appreciably lower than that of normal concrete. Therefore, higher OS substitution has the possibility of negatively influencing the concrete long-term strength increment. Elastic modulus of concrete with OS replacement decreases as the substitution mixture ratio increases. Specifically, the modulus is reduced by approximately 10–15% when OS are used for 20% of the fine aggregate. The drying shrinkage strain increases as the substitution ratio (SR) of OS is increased. In addition, the existing model code for drying shrinkage and creep does not coincide with the test results of the present study. A prediction equation for drying shrinkage has been developed. The utilization of OS as a fine aggregate in concrete has a positive effect on freezing and thawing resistance and water permeability is also considerably improved. However, OS has no apparent effect on carbonation and chemical attack of concrete. Finally, it is noted that the strength, elastic modulus, drying shrinkage, freezing and thawing resistance, and permeability are significantly affected by increased OS substitution, particularly for long-term performance, while other properties such as creep and carbonation, as well as chemical attack test results, were not substantially affected.