A study on suitability of iron ore overburden waste rock for partial replacement of coarse aggregates in concrete pavements

Abstract

Concrete is the most widely used construction material, several sustainable materials are under investigation to reduce the impact of its production processes, by considering partial replacement of natural constituents with the waste materials without compromising the durability and strength of concrete in view to reduce both the demand of raw material and effective waste disposal of millions of tons from different sources. There has been a constant research to substitute the natural aggregates with other waste materials to develop sustainable pavements. In the process, the waste produced from Mining industry is one of such source. The aim of this study is to evaluate the suitability of iron ore waste as partial replacement of coarse aggregates in concrete with reference to the conventional materials. Physico-chemical properties and aggregate tests such as crushing, abrasion, impact, shape test, the specific gravity and water absorption were determined as per Standards and the results were within the limits indicating their applicability as a pavement material. Partial replacement by 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% with waste rock was tested for its mechanical properties and it was found that, 40% replacement of waste rock yielded highest compressive strength compared to the control mix. Regression analysis was carried out to predict the performance analysis of the compressive strength of the samples with IOT.The performance prediction analysis shows that curing days influencing more compared to % replacement with IOT.