Investigation of concrete produced using recycled aluminium dross for hot weather concreting conditions

Aluminium dross is a by-product obtained from the aluminium smelting process. Currently, this dross is processed in rotary kilns to recover the residual aluminium, and the resultant salt cake is sent to landfills. The present study investigates the utilization of recycled aluminium dross in producing concrete, which is suitable for hot weather concreting condition. The primary objectives of the experimental study are to examine the feasibility of using concrete blended with recycled aluminium dross under hot weather concreting situations and then to evaluate the strength and durability aspects of the produced concrete. From the experimental results it is observed that the initial setting time of the recycled aluminium dross concrete extended by about 30 minutes at 20% replacement level. This property of recycled aluminium dross concrete renders it to be suitable for hot weather concreting conditions. Based on the results obtained, the replacement of cement with 20% of Al dross yields superior mechanical and durability characteristics

Sustainable utilization of discarded foundry sand and crushed brick masonry aggregate in the production of lightweight concrete

Nowadays, there is a considerable shortage in the availability of river sand and natural stone aggregate for the construction activities all around the globe and the way out is being worked out by the use of discarded foundry sand and crushed brick masonry aggregate for construction purposes. In the present study, river sand was partly replaced by the discarded foundry sand procured from steel moulding industries and the crushed brick masonry aggregate was used as coarse aggregate for the production of lightweight concrete. The experimental program involved casting of six distinct mixes with 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% & 100% replacement of fine aggregate by discarded foundry sand. The mechanical and durability properties of the lightweight concrete were assessed for each of the six diverse blends. Even though the 80% and 100% replacement mixes were found to be less dense than the rest of the mix, the blend of 40% replacement acquired desirable mechanical and durability properties when compared to that of all other mixes. The optimum replacement level of the discarded foundry sand by mass to the river sand was 40%. The lightweight concrete produced by utilizing crushed brick masonry aggregate and discarded foundry sand (40% substitution level) can be employed in all major structural lightweight construction aspects and is ideally suited for sloped roof slabs and making architectural or decorative concrete blocks

Investigation of concrete produced using recycled aluminium dross for hot weather concreting conditions

AbstractAluminium dross is a by-product obtained from the aluminium smelting process. Currently, this dross is processed in rotary kilns to recover the residual aluminium, and the resultant salt cake is sent to landfills. The present study investigates the utilization of recycled aluminium dross in producing concrete, which is suitable for hot weather concreting condition. The primary objectives of the experimental study are to examine the feasibility of using concrete blended with recycled aluminium dross under hot weather concreting situations and then to evaluate the strength and durability aspects of the produced concrete. From the experimental results it is observed that the initial setting time of the recycled aluminium dross concrete extended by about 30 minutes at 20% replacement level. This property of recycled aluminium dross concrete renders it to be suitable for hot weather concreting conditions. Based on the results obtained, the replacement of cement with 20% of Al dross yields superior mechanical and durability characteristics

Investigation of concrete produced using recycled aluminium dross for hot weather concreting conditions

Aluminium dross is a by-product obtained from the aluminium smelting process. Currently, this dross is processed in rotary kilns to recover the residual aluminium, and the resultant salt cake is sent to landfills. The present study investigates the utilization of recycled aluminium dross in producing concrete, which is suitable for hot weather concreting condition. The primary objectives of the experimental study are to examine thefeasibility of using concrete blended with recycled aluminium dross under hot weather concreting situations and then to evaluate the strength and durability aspects of the produced concrete. From the experimental results it is observed that the initial setting time of the recycled aluminium dross concrete extended by about 30 minutes at 20% replacement level. This property of recycled aluminium dross concrete renders it to be suitable for hot weather concreting conditions. Based on the results obtained, the replacement of cement with 20% of Al dross yields superior mechanical and durability characteristics.</jats:p

Exploring the potential of arecanut fibers and fly ash in enhancing the performance of self-compacting concrete

Abstract Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is an innovative material for construction that offers excellent workability and flowability while achieving effective and uniform compaction without the need for external vibration. Using an experimental approach, this study investigates the effect of incorporating arecanut fibers on the performance of self-compacting concrete (SCC). The focus is on optimizing the fiber content for improved concrete characteristics. The study examines three different fiber lengths (8 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm) and three volume fractions (1%, 2%, and 3%) while partially replacing 30% of the cement by weight with fly ash. Tests on the workability of the SCC mixes revealed favorable characteristics: slump flow between 650 and 750 mm, T500 slump flow time of 2–5 s, V-funnel time of 5–10 s, L-box ratio of 0.8–1.0, and J-ring values within 0–10 mm as recommended by EFNARC guidelines. Furthermore, incorporating 30% fly ash and arecanut fibers significantly enhanced the hardened properties of the SCC, particularly its compressive strength. A concrete mix containing 2% of 10-mm long arecanut fibers achieved a compressive strength of 40.26 MPa, which is about 15.14% increase compared to the reference strength of 35 MPa. Similarly, using a 1% volume fraction of 12 mm arecanut fibers increased the split tensile strength by 14.04% and the flexural strength by 35.87% compared to the control mix. Fly ash and arecanut fibers enhance the durability of SCC by reducing Coulomb charges and improving resistance to chloride penetration. However, the increased water absorption rate of the fibers can lead to increased overall water absorption in the concrete. Microstructural analysis (SEM) revealed improved bonding and reduced voids, further supporting enhanced durability. Additionally, EDX analysis confirmed the presence of various elements from cement and fly ash, providing valuable data for evaluating the long-term performance of these SCC mixes