Evaluation of the Iron Ore Tailings from Itakpe in Nigeria as Concrete Material

Abstract

An evaluation of the Itakpe iron ore tailings (IOT) for concrete production has been carried out using the material to replace sand and cement, in proportions of 5 % up to 30 %, and curing for periods 90 days in water. Characterization of the material showed that it has pozzolanic properties, and can be used as a retarder for hot-weather concreting. Other characteristics of the IOT, as sand and cement replacements materials in concrete production exhibited improved workability and higher compressive strengths over the control strength with approximately 10 % and 38 % for sand and cement respectively. The linear regression models that were developed on the experimental data showed that they are significant and could be used to predict relationships of IOT-OPC concrete.