An investigation into the durability of concrete using red mud as a substitute in cement

Abstract

In this world concrete is the most used material only after water. The main constituents of concrete are cement and aggregates. Cement is obtained by the mixture of limestone and clay. For the sustainable development we should save cement because production of cement causes pollution by emission of carbon dioxide. In this work red mud is used as substitute material in place of cement in concrete. Red mud, often referred to as bauxite residue, is a byproduct of the Bayer's process, which separates alumina from the bauxite ore. The purpose of this work is to investigate the durability of concrete using red mud as a substitute in cement. The chemical composition of red mud is somewhat similar to that of cement. Cement is replaced by 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% of red mud in the mix design of M30 grade of concrete. Concrete cubes of different percentage replacement are prepared and tested. Various tests like acid attack test, sulphate attack test, carbonation test and saturated water absorption test are performed to evaluate the concrete's acid resistance, sulphate attack, carbonation, and saturated water absorption. The results demonstrate that concrete performs better when 10% red mud is replaced with cement in concrete and durability is increased when red mud is replaced by the same percentage. So 10 % replacement of red mud in place of cement is considered suitable in concrete. This study will aid in the efficient use of red mud in the construction sector for the sustainable development.