Feasibility Study on the Use of Iron Ore Tailings as Fine Aggregate with Glass Fibre in Concrete

Abstract

Abstract Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world, but its production has significant environmental consequences, including high carbon emissions and natural resource depletion. As a result, there is an increasing interest in the development of sustainable concrete technologies that reduce concrete’s environmental footprint while maintaining its performance and durability. Partially replacing fine aggregate with industrial waste is one such approach. It is a great practice for developing sustainable concrete that can help with environmental problems caused by the dumping of these waste materials at the same time maintaining the performance of concrete. It also provides economic and social benefits in addition to the environmental benefits. iron ore tailings is one such industrial waste that is the by-product of iron ore beneficiation process which has shown the potential for partial replacement of fine aggregate in concrete. In addition, glass fibre is added to improve the tensile property of concrete. A concrete mix of M20 grade were prepared by replacing fine aggregate with iron ore tailing at replacement level 15%, 25%, and 35% and the optimum replacement percentage was obtained. Further, glass fibre was added at the dosage of 0.5% by the weight of cement to the mix with optimised replacement of iron ore tailings and tests were conducted. This work also examines concrete’s physical, mechanical and durability properties with partial replacement of fine aggregate with iron ore tailings and glass fibre by conducting tests on strength and durability. Results obtained indicates incorporation of iron ore tailing with concrete reduces the workability of concrete, and the addition of glass fibre improved the compressive strength and split tensile strength. Durability tests show an increase in water absorption with the addition of iron ore tailings and a medium level of chloride penetration. The study showed the use of iron ore tailing as a sustainable alternative to fine aggregate in concrete.