Properties of concrete containing spent garnet as fine aggregate replacement

Abstract

Abstract The use of river sand as a construction material has become a critical concern in many countries. Excessive mining for concrete production is one of the main issues that lead to environmental pollution. Simultaneously, environmental concern over discarding spent garnet from industry have led to research on using it as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete. Different mixtures incorporating 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % spent garnet were studied to assess their impact on concrete’s workability, mechanical strength, and durability. This study used a concrete mix design to create concrete mixes for 48 cubes. Three types of tests such as slump, compressive strength, and water absorption test were conducted to evaluate the concrete’s properties. The findings indicate that as the amount of spent garnet used in concrete increases, the concrete becomes more workable. The optimum strength results were achieved when 20 % of the fine aggregate was replaced with spent garnet. Furthermore, concrete with up to 20 % spent garnet had lower water absorption compared to the control mix. Utilizing spent garnet as a substitute for sand in construction not only fosters sustainability but also addresses the challenge of effective waste disposal.