River Sand Research Articles

Combine the use of rice husk ash and quarry waste for sustainable masonry blocks: mechanical characteristics, durability and eco-benefits

The construction industry faces a growing demand for eco-friendly practices. This study explores the viability of incorporating quarry waste and rice husk ash (RHA) as partial replacements for cement and river sand in masonry block production. The research investigates the combined effect of these waste materials on the critical characteristics of cement blocks, including physical properties, mechanical behaviour, and resistance to environmental degradation. A cost-benefit analysis also considers economic, environmental, and societal factors. Replacing river sand with quarry waste in the mortar mix resulted in higher density and improved impact resistance. Also, it exhibited lower water absorption and early-age strength than the river sand. Partial cement replacement with RHA yielded positive results at lower incorporation levels. Up to 20% RHA content enhanced compressive and flexural strength while reducing embodied energy and CO₂ emissions. However, higher RHA replacements negatively affected these properties. The optimal balance between cost-effectiveness, environmental benefits, and structural performance was achieved with a combination of 20% RHA and complete quarry waste replacement. This approach offers a sustainable and potentially cost-saving alternative for conventional masonry block production. This research demonstrates the potential of utilizing waste materials in construction while promoting eco-friendly practices and responsible waste management in the industry.

Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Concrete using Recycled Plastic and Glass Waste

This study explores using recycled waste glass and plastic fibers as substitutes for fine aggregates in concrete to meet the growing need for sustainable building materials. The basic materials consist of OPC 43 grade and locally obtained river sand. The research incorporates glass powder from crushed beer bottles and plastic fibers from recycled plastic bottles into the concrete mixture. Various tests, including slump, compressive strength (CS), and split tensile strength (STS) assessments, are performed to ascertain the characteristics of the modified concrete in both its fresh and hardened states. The findings demonstrate a significant enhancement in the ease of handling when glass powder is used, exhibiting a surge of 170% and 270% for mixtures, including 15% and 25% glass powder, respectively, compared to conventional OPC concrete. Although including these recycled materials reduces compressive strength (19.95% for SP15 and 21.39% for SP25); tensile strength is significantly improved, with gains of 35% for SP15 and 53.75% for SP25. This research emphasizes the feasibility of integrating waste glass and plastic fibers into concrete as a practical method for sustainable building.

Alternative substrates for the production of container-grown Mexican marigold

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate substrate mixtures for the production of Mexican marigolds grown in containers in the community of Santa Cruz Itundujia, Oaxaca. Methods: Four soil mixtures were tested: 1) 70% ocote pine needles + 30% soil, 2) 70% leaf mold + 30% soil, 3) 70% river sand + 30% soil, and 4) 70% sawdust + 30% soil. Mexican marigold (Tagetes erecta) var. Inca II Deep Orange plants were established in pots under open field conditions. Height, number of leaves, plant width, branching, leaf area, and number of buds were evaluated in the different phenological stages of the plant; the last measurement was made at the flowering stage. Soil fertility parameters were analyzed, and physical analysis of the substrates was performed. Results: The treatments produced differential results; ocote pine needles + soil and leaf mold + soil were the best for producing container-grown marigolds. The lowest results in yield variables were found with the river sand + soil mixture. Implications: Using local and inexpensive substrates will impact production costs for marigold farmers. Currently, a variety of commercial mixes and substrates of foreign origin are available and used for the production of container-grown plants. Conclusions: The best results were obtained with organic substrates, specifically with ocote pine needles and leaf mold. The mixture with sawdust did not show good results in the tested variables, possibly due to this material’s high carbon/nitrogen ratio. The lowest results were obtained with the sand + soil treatment. Keywords: Asteraceae, yield, sawdust, needle, Tagetes erecta

Effect of sustained elevated temperature on compression and split-tensile properties of concrete made with waste foundry sand

PurposeThe aim of the current study is to inspect the influence of high temperatures on the compressive and split-tensile-strength (STS) of concrete mixtures produced by replacing natural river sand with waste-foundry sand (WFS) at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. When the experimental findings and the projected outcomes were compared by IS:456-2000 code equations, the STS results predicted by the suggested mathematical equations exhibit lower variations. It is proposed to employ the presented mathematical formulas to evaluate the STS of concrete cylindrical specimens at higher temperatures.Design/methodology/approachAfter fabricating, concrete mixtures were allowed to cure for 28 days. For the purpose of avoiding explosive spalling during the heating process, concrete samples are taken out from the curing chamber after 28 days and allowed to dry for two days. The manufactured concrete specimen is exposed to 100 °C, 200 °C, 300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C and 600 °C temperatures for a duration of 2 h. After the specimens have cool down to room temperature (RT), the physical test, ultrasonic-pulse-velocity (UPV) test, compressive strength test and STS test are carried out.FindingsWith an increase in WFS content, concrete specimens' residue compressive-strength and STS decreases. The STS of samples declines as the WFS content rises with increase in temperature interval. According to the UPV test, the concrete samples quality is “good” up to 400 °C; after 500 °C, it ranges from “doubtful to poor.” The UPV values of various mixes declined as the temperature increased. Mass losses increase with exposure to greater temperatures and with an increase in the proportions of WFS in concrete specimens. For mixtures MWFS-0, MWFS-1, MWFS-2, MWFS-3 and MWFS-4 (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% WFS content), no cracks were present on any of the samples below 400 °C. Concrete surfaces start to show cracks whenever the intervals of temperature increase above 400 °C.Originality/valueIn this investigation, WFS elements are totally substituted for natural sand in concrete mixtures. The residue strength properties, including residual compressive strength and residual STS, were found to be lower after exposures to greater temperature when comparisons were made to referral mixtures. When comparing specimens’ compressive strength, higher temperatures have more effects on the STS of samples with higher WFS contents.

INVESTIGATION ON CORROSION AND FLEXURAL BEHAVIOUR OF REINFORCED CONCRETE USING MARINE SAND

Traditionally, the construction industry relies on both manufactured sand (known as MF-Sand) and river sand as primary constituents for fine aggregates. However, in response to the dwindling supply of river sand, the contemporary preference is firmly in favor of MF-Sand. This research focuses the utilization of meticulously cleaned marine sand (referred to as MR-Sand) as a superior substitute for MF-Sand, aiming to curtail the reliance on and depletion of river sand, a finite natural resource. The objective of this research is to examine the mechanical property of flexural performance of Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) Beam and durability study of concrete using corrosion test in which washed MR - Sand as a fine aggregate in partial replacement of MF-Sand from 20% to 60%. The physical and chemical characteristics of treated and untreated marine sand are compared with a view to better comprehending the features of MR and MF-Sand. Experimental research works have been carried out to look into the corrosion test and flexural strength in order to better understanding the strength and durability attributes of concrete. The values for flexural strength, ultimate load, load-deflection, load-strain, and crack pattern have been compared for the RCC beam specimens MF100, MR20, MR40 and MR60. The findings indicate that 60% of MR-Sand possesses the desired properties of strength and durability of concrete. Additionally, Finite Element Analysis is carried out using the ABAQUS software to further validate the experimental findings of load-deflection, load carrying capacity, crack pattern and flexural strength.

Mechanical properties and radiological implications of replacing sand with waste ceramic aggregate in ordinary concrete

The mining of aggregates for the production of concrete creates ecological problems. In this study, the effect of partially replacing sand as fine aggregate (FA) with waste ceramic tiles (WCT) on the density, compressive strength (CS), specific radioactivity of naturally occurring radioactive materials (238U, 232Th, and 40K), and the radiation shielding competence of concrete was investigated. Ordinary concrete samples consisting of cement, fine aggregate (river sand), coarse aggregate (granite), and water were prepared in 50 mm × 50 mm x 50 mm cubical steel moulds. The samples were coded as C-WCT0, C-WCT5, C-WCT10, C-WCT15, C-WCT20, and C-WCT25, representing concrete samples in which the FA component was replaced by 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% pulverized WCT, respectively. The CS and density of the samples were determined after 7-, 14-, and 28-day curing periods. The gamma spectrometric method was used to determine the specific activity of 238U, 232Th, and 40K using a hyper pure germanium detector. The photon and neutron shielding parameters of the concrete blocks were calculated with the aid of the EPICS2017 cross-section library and relevant standard formulae. The mean CS for each concrete category increase with curing age. The density of the concrete varied from 2213 kg/m3 to 2488 kg/m3 as the FA replacement level rose to 15%. Using WCT as a partial replacement for FA altered the chemical composition and decreased the specific activities of 238U, 232Th, and 40K, in the concrete samples. C-WCT15 had the best gamma photon and fast neutron absorption features among the concrete samples. The use of WCT as aggregate in concrete production is a sustainable and environmental-friendly way of producing concrete for general civil engineering and shielding applications in medical and other radiation facilities. This study also affirms that using alternative materials with lower specific activity to replace sand is radiologically desirable in reducing the indoor radiation dose of occupants of concrete-based structures. The replacement of 15% sand by WCT produced stronger, radiologically safer, and more effective radiation absorbing concrete.

Strength and microstructural development in concrete pavements by blended copper tailings powder and copper tailings sand

This study investigated the effects of replacing cement with copper tailings powder on pavement concrete performance. Concrete pavements were prepared by substituting 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % of the cement with copper tailings powder. Additionally, 70 % of the river sand (0.6–0.15 mm) was replaced with copper tailings sand of a fixed particle size. The study aimed to understand how this combined replacement affected the mechanical and microstructural properties of the concrete. Tests revealed that two hours of mechanical milling was optimal for activating the copper tailings powder, resulting in a Pozzolanic activity index of 82 %. Concrete specimens with 5 % copper tailings powder achieved the highest flexural strength (6.21 MPa) and compressive strength (52.8 MPa). Furthermore, this replacement level resulted in the lowest porosity and highest resistivity. Scanning electron microscope images revealed that increasing the amount of tailing powder reduced the degree of hydration within the microstructures. However, the specimens with both tailings powder and sand exhibited better compactness and homogeneity in their internal pore structures compared to those with only tailings sand. It suggests a beneficial microfilling effect from the tailings powder.

Development of novel mortar using fine river sand and pretreated waste flue gas desulfurization gypsum powder and pond fly ash

The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of combined pond fly ash (PFA) and flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) as a partial replacement for cement by mixing them with fine river sand for green mortar development. We studied the physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of mortars by using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDXS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for chemical component identification of the hydrated phase. These experimental results show that mortar containing pond fly ash, FGDG, and cement concentrations of 5 wt%, 5 wt%, and 90 wt% yields the maximum compressive strength (8.9 MPa) and flexural strength (3.4 MPa) after 28 days. This mortar has 12.6% higher compressive strength and 48% lower shrinkage in comparison with control specimens. A reduction in shrinkage is attributed to the denser structure of the mortar, as the calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) gel is found to exist in the SEM image and also identified through XRD studies. It is also concluded that excessive ettringite formation causes expansion in the volume of mortar, voids formation, and results in the reduction of strength. The application of this mortar can be in the internal plaster, bricks, and masonry.

Innovative early age mechanical properties of 3D printable mortar enhanced with SBR latex and kaolin

As the global population has continued to grow, the costs and environmental issues associated with traditional construction materials like cement and river sand have become increasingly problematic. This study explores the innovative enhancement of early-age mechanical properties of 3D-printable mortar through the incorporation of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) latex and kaolin. Various sands (Lawrencepur, Chenab, and Ravi) were tested at 120 min for compressive stress, direct shear strength, Young’s Modulus, and Shear Modulus. Lawrencepur Sand exhibited the highest compressive stress (206.75 kPa) and shear strength (74.60 kPa), followed by Chenab Sand and Ravi Sand. Young’s Modulus values were highest in Lawrencepur Sand (7.93 MPa), indicating superior stiffness, while Shear Modulus was highest in Chenab Sand (3.79 MPa). Ravi Sand, despite lower mechanical strengths, was found optimal for printable mortar due to its fine particle size and desirable texture. The incorporation of SBR latex and kaolin resulted in reduced maximum deflection and enhanced load-bearing capacity over time, with Lawrencepur Sand containing 99.64% sand particles and minimal silt bearing the ultimate load effectively. This study highlights the potential of SBR latex and kaolin in improving the early-age mechanical properties and suitability of sands for 3D-printable mortar, providing a balance between mechanical performance and printability.

Investigating the Effects of the Height-to-Diameter Ratio and Loading Rate on the Mechanical Properties and Crack Extension Mechanism of Sandstone-Like Materials

The causes of the size effect (SE) and loading rate effect (LR) for rocks remain unclear. Based on this, a gypsum-mixed material was used to simulate sandstone, where the dosing ratio was 7.5% river sand, 17.5% quartz, 58.3% α-high-strength gypsum, and 16.7% water. The specimens were designed to have a height-to-diameter ratio (HDR) of 0.6~2, and three strain rates (SRs)—static, quasi-dynamic, and dynamic—were used to perform single-factor rotational uniaxial compression experiments. PFC2D was used to numerically simulate the damage pattern of a sandstone-like specimen. The results showed that the physical parameters did not change monotonically, as was previously found. The main reason for this is that the end-face friction effect (EFE) is generated when the dynamic SR or the HDR is 0.6~1, with a damage pattern of “X”. Under mechanical analysis, the power consumed by the EFE was inversely proportional to the HDR and directly proportional to the LR, and it can reduce the actual amount of energy transferred inside the specimen. This paper may provide a foundation for the study of non-linear hazards in coal and rock.

Properties of concrete with processed granulated blast-furnace slag as fine aggregate

Exploring the use of non-organic solid wastes from mines and mineral industries, such as metallurgical slags, and tailings as a replacement to natural sand in concrete can provide sustainable options to save the natural river sand reserves. River sand for construction is environmentally and economically unviable in several countries of the world. The present investigation intends to explore the suitability of unused granulated blast-furnace slag (GBS) stocks as fine aggregate in concrete. The GBS was processed using a vertical shaft impactor to modify the shape parameters of the granules. The processed GBS (PGBS) content in concrete was varied between 0 and 100%, and the mechanical and microstructural properties of concrete were characterised. The workability of fresh concrete, compressive strength, tensile strength, stress–strain characteristics, drying shrinkage and development of bond between concrete and reinforcement were investigated. The results show a considerable increase (∼40%) in the long-term strength of concrete with 100% PGBS. The PGBS-based concrete showed higher compressive strength than the strength of the reference concrete. Using X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis techniques, the hydration products present in the PGBS and river sand-based concrete were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed.

Investigation of the influence of crushed sand on carbonation of Mortar: Physical and microstructural analysis

The use of crushed sand instead as a substitute for river sand has gained importance in construction practices due to the limited availability of river sand. This study examines the physical and microstructural impacts of crushed sand on mortar carbonation. Using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). We highlight the influence of substituting river sand with crushed sand after exposure to 3 % CO2 in an accelerated carbonation chamber for 28 days. The mass fractions of Ca(OH)2 and CaCO3 were determined by thermogravimetric analysis, and a decrease in porosity was observed with an increasing proportion of crushed sand in the mixture. Partial or total substitution of river sand with crushed sand, for environmental purposes, shows improved resistance against CO2 attack. Our study reveals the beneficial effects of crushed sand in reducing porosity and carbonation compared to river sand.

Comparative study on the performance of fresh concrete comprising manufactured sand vs. river sand during full-scale long-distance pumping

The shift from river sand (RS) to manufactured sand (MS) as a fine aggregate in concrete is driven by environmental sustainability concerns. However, negative impacts of MS on concrete workability have raised doubts about its suitability for long-distance pumping in construction projects. This study evaluates the performance of MS concrete compared to RS concrete of the same strength grade during long-distance pumping. A full-scale coiled pipeline with measured length of 348 m was built, twelve batches of C30 and C60 concrete were prepared, and pumping tests were conducted at discharge rates of 2.5–18.9 liter per second (L/s). The workability and rheological parameters were assessed before and after pumping. The measured and predicted pumping pressure were analyzed and calculated based on rheological parameters and lubricating layer (LL) parameters. Results indicate that MS increased the yield stress and decreased the LL thickness index of C30 concrete, while it decreased the viscosity coefficient of C60 concrete. Post-pumping, the change in yield stress was similar for both MS and RS concrete, but MS reduced the plastic viscosity change in C60 concrete. MS did not significantly affect the pumping pressure loss, but influenced the pumping pressure prediction deviation by influencing the thixotropy. The classic pumping pressure prediction model developed by Kapan obviously overestimated the pumping pressure during long-distance pumping, and the deviation was more prominent in high-strength concrete pumping. MS increased the thixotropy of C30 concrete and reduced the prediction deviation of pumping pressure, but had the opposite effect on C60 concrete.

Lightweight aggregates produced from low-temperature sintering of multiple solid wastes for heavy metals removal: Adsorption kinetics and stabilization

Solid wastes, including incinerated sewage sludge ash (ISSA), waste bentonite, and waste glass powder (WGP), were recycled and sintered at a low temperature (680 °C) to produce lightweight aggregates (WSA). WGP acted as a fluxing agent to significantly lower sintering temperature of 1000–1200 °C in other studies. WSA demonstrated an excellent mechanical strength of 3.76 MPa. The adsorbent dosage, initial pH, kinetics and isotherm on heavy metals adsorption were evaluated in batch adsorption experiments. The isothermal data exhibited a good correlation with the Langmuir model, and the maximum adsorption capacity was approximately 9.26 mg/g at 296 K. Pb(II) removal was dominated by precipitation and cation exchange. Breakthrough curves were determined for fixed-bed adsorption. At 50% breakthrough, the maximum adsorption capacity was 1.82 mg/g. The WSA after heavy metals adsorption were then reused to replace river sand (10–50%) in producing lightweight mortars. The solidification of spent WSA in the lightweight mortars could significantly reduce the leaching of Pb(II) by 98.5%. Moreover, the reuse of spent WSA resulted in low density and low thermal conductivity of cement mortars. This study demonstrates total waste management for municipal solid wastes: upcycling of waste–utilization–permanently stored as construction materials.

A Novel Approach to High-Volume Replacement of River Sand by Waste Pond Ash in Cement Mortar Using Multicriteria Models: Engineering Properties, Sustainability Aspects, and Cost

A Novel Approach to High-Volume Replacement of River Sand by Waste Pond Ash in Cement Mortar Using Multicriteria Models: Engineering Properties, Sustainability Aspects, and Cost

Experimental Study on the Influence of Sidewall Excavation Width and Rock Wall Slope on the Stability of the Surrounding Rock in Hanging Tunnels

Hanging tunnels are a unique type of highway constructed on hard cliffs and towering mountains, renowned for their steep and distinctive characteristics. Compared to traditional full tunnels or open excavations, hanging tunnels offer significant advantages in terms of cost and construction time. However, the engineering design and construction cases of such tunnels are rarely reported, and concerns about construction safety and surrounding rock stability have become focal points. Taking the Shibanhe hanging tunnel as a case study, this paper focuses on the stability of the surrounding rock during the excavation of limestone hanging tunnels using physical analog model (PAM) experiments and numerical calculation. Firstly, based on the similarity principle and orthogonal experiments, river sand, bentonite, gypsum and P.O42.5 ordinary Portland cement were selected as the raw materials to configure similar materials from limestone. Secondly, according to the characteristics of hanging tunnels, geological models were designed, and excavation experiments with three different sidewall excavation widths and rock wall slopes were carried out. The effects of these variables on the stress and displacement behavior of the surrounding rock were analyzed, and the laws of their influence on the stability of the surrounding rock were explored. Finally, numerical simulations were employed to simulate the tunnel excavation, and the results of the numerical simulations and PAM experiments were compared and analyzed to verify the reliability of the PAM experiment. The results showed that the vertical stress on the rock pillars was significantly affected by the sidewall excavation widths, with a maximum increase rate of 53.8%. The displacement of the sidewall opening top was greatly influenced by the sidewall excavation widths, while the displacement of the sidewalls was more influenced by the rock wall slope. The experimental results of the PAM are consistent with the displacement and stress trends observed in the numerical simulation results, verifying their reliability. These findings can provide valuable guidance and reference for the design and construction of hanging tunnels.

Experimental investigation on the performance of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) prepared by manufactured sand: Mechanical strength and micro structure

In order to alleviate the shortage of natural river sand resources and reduce the cost and energy consumption of UHPC, high-value utilization of manufactured sand was carried out. Based on the compact packing theory, UHPC with high content of manufactured sand was designed. The effects of different substitution of manufactured sand on the working ability, mechanical property, microstructure, cost and carbon emission were studied. The results indicated that the incorporation of manufactured sand negatively affected the workability of UHPC. The compressive strength of UHPC increased and then decreased with the increase of MS substitution. At 70 % replacement of manufactured sand, the slump flow of UHPC was 655 mm, and it still maintains excellent workability. The 7 d and 28 d compressive strengths were increased by 5.3 % and 8.8 %, respectively, compared with the control specimens. At this time, the tensile strength reached 8.99 MPa and the ultimate tensile strain was 0.78 × 10−3. The microstructure showed that MS could refine the UHPC pore structure and reduce the porosity at 70 % substitution. The results demonstrated that 70 % substitution of manufactured sand instead of quartz sand can not only improve the mechanical properties of UHPC, but also reduce the cost and CO2 emission. Each cubic meter of UHPC can save the 380 CNY and reduce CO2 emission by 14.2 kg, with good economic benefits. The study aims to provide technical support for the high-value utilization of manufactured sand in UHPC.

Comparative Analysis of the Strength of Concretes Made from Different Aggregates

The paper aimed to explore the replacement of river sand in concrete with iron fillings and sawdust at various percentages (10%, 20%, and 30%). The study used a 1:2:4 mix design and a water-cement ratio of 0.5. Wooden square cubes of dimensions 100 x 100 x 100 mm were employed, resulting in 42 concrete cubes. Tests were conducted to assess particle size distribution, specific gravity, bulk density, aggregate impact value, aggregate abrasion value, and compressive strength at 7th and 28th days of curing. Notably, after 7 days, compressive strength results showed that concrete with a 10% iron fillings replacement (18.5 N/mm²) had a higher average strength than concrete with 100% river sand (17.6 N/mm²). However, as the percentage of iron fillings increased to 20% (9.8 N/mm²) and 30% (7.1N/mm²), the compressive strength decreased. On the other hand, concrete with sawdust replacements at 10% (3.7 N/mm²), 20% (1.4 N/mm²), and 30% (0.5 N/mm²) exhibited significantly lower load-bearing capacity. These trends persisted at the 28th day, with the compressive strength decreasing with increasing percentages of iron fillings (10%: 20.3 N/mm², 20%: 11.2 N/mm², 30%: 11.6 N/mm²) and sawdust (10%: 3.4 N/mm², 20%: 2.3 N/mm², 30%: 1.4 N/mm²). The findings suggest that a low percentage of iron fillings can be used in combination with river sand to maintain load-bearing capacity, but sawdust or wood particles should be avoided as they adversely affect compressive strength. This research contributes valuable insights into the use of these materials in concrete mixtures.

Hybrid Geopolymer Composites Based on Fly Ash Reinforced with Glass and Flax Fibers

This article’s aim is to analyze physical, mechanical, and fracture properties as well as the thermal investigation of geopolymer composites reinforced with flax, glass fiber, and also the hybrid combination of fibers. Two types of matrices were considered as composites matrices. The first composition was based on fly ash and river sand. The second matrix composition contained fly ash and glass spheres. The content of reinforcement was 1% by mass. Compressive strength and three-point bending fracture tests were performed. The values of fracture toughness and fracture energy were determined. The resonance method was used to verify the dynamic characteristics, such as the dynamic modulus of elasticity and the dynamic Poisson ratio. The results show that single-type fibers in composites based on fly ash and glass spheres did not affect compressive strength. However, introducing hybrid reinforcement increased compressive strength by about 10% compared to the reference specimens. Flax fibers and hybrid reinforcement ensured higher fracture toughness and energy. The results also revealed great potential for glass sphere application to geopolymer materials in terms of fracture mechanics and thermal properties. Despite the lower strength properties in relation to geopolymers based on sand aggregate, applying reinforced fibers into the composite with glass spheres enhanced the compressive strength compared to other materials. Materials modified with glass spheres have a thermal conductivity twice as low as that of materials containing river sand.

Assessment of fly ash based sand as a perspective alternate backfill material for stowing in mining activity

Due to the paucity of river sand and increased regulations on sand mining, mine fill voids are kept emptied, fostering the demand for alternate backfilling material. This study attempts to develop fly ash based sand (FAB Sand) using abundantly available fly ash alone as resource material and explores its suitability as a stowing material in mine void applications, including both underground and open mining activity. Since sand within particle sizes from 4.75 to 0.075 mm is explicitly used for stowing applications, FAB Sand is developed within the same particle size range. Its applicability is evaluated in terms of physical, chemical, mechanical, morphological and mineralogical properties, and suitability is assessed by comparing vis-à-vis with river sand. Towards environmental acceptability, leaching characteristics and human health risks of FAB Sand are examined comprehensively. The findings of the study reveal that FAB Sand is not only doable and promising but could also become a sustainable alternate backfilling material for stowing in mining activities. Results pertaining to environmental acceptability endorse that FAB Sand poses no threat to ecology and human health. Overall, the proposed novel alternate backfill material and its employability alleviates the mining of sand from rivers while concurrently accentuating sustainable solutions for mining practices.