Flexural Strength of Revibrated Concrete Using Iron Ore Tailings (IOT) as Partial Replacement for River Sand

Abstract

River sand is one of the major concrete constituents. Sand mining from rivers results in several environmental problems which leads to destruction of river banks among others. The use of IOT as a substitute for river sand is capable of addressing this problem. The effect of partial replacement of river sand with IOT on the flexural strength of revibrated concrete was studied in this paper. Sieve analysis, bulk density specific gravity and water absorption tests were conducted on the IOT, river sand and crushed granite to ascertain their suitability for use in concrete. A mix ratio of 1:2.1:2.7 and water-cement ratio of 0.5 was used to prepare concrete mixes with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 100% IOT as sand replacement. A total of 63 prisms of size 100 x 100 x 500 mm were cast and revibrated 30s for 3 minutes within 1 hour to provide samples to be tested for flexural strength at 7, 14 and 28 days curing age. Results revealed that the workability of concrete decreased with increase in percentage of IOT. Highest flexural strength was noted with concrete containing 100% IOT at all curing ages. Flexural strength model was proposed as a function of % IOT at 28 days curing age. It was recommended that IOT can be used as either partial or total replacement for river sand in concrete.