Laboratory Study on Effect of Wastes on Compressive Strength of Concrete

Abstract

This paper illustrates the effects of waste foundry sand (WFS) on compressive strength of normal concrete and concrete containing construction and demolition (C & D) aggregate. The test samples are conducted for 3, 7 and 28 days of curing time. Experimental study indicates an overall growth in 3, 7, and 28 days strength of cube specimens on addition of WFS. The test results show that upon addition of WFS with 20% replacement with fine aggregate (FA), the compressive strength increases. On adding construction waste aggregates, the compressive strength is slightly reduced when compared to normal fresh aggregates. But, when both WFS partially replacing fine sand by 20% and C & D aggregates are used the compressive strength tends to increase. Thus, it can be concluded that incorporating WFS to concrete mix not only increases its compressive strength but also solves the problem of disposing WFS which otherwise pose problem of its disposal. Further, the use of construction waste aggregates helps in reducing the waste management problem which is becoming a serious threat to the ecosystem.