Abrasion resistance and strength properties of concrete containing waste foundry sand (WFS)

The abrasion resistance and strength properties of concrete containing waste foundry sand (WFS) were investigated. Sand (fine aggregate) was replaced with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of WFS by mass. The water-to-cement ratio and the workability of mixtures were maintained constant at 0.40 and 85 +/- 5 mm, respectively. Properties examined were compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and abrasion resistance expressed as depth of wear. Test results indicated that replacement of sand with WFS enhanced the 28-day compressive strength by 8.3-17%, splitting tensile strength by 3.6-10.4% and modulus of elasticity by 1.7-6.4% depending upon the WFS content, and showed continuous improvement in mechanical properties up to the ages of 365 days. Inclusion of WFS as sand replacement significantly improved the abrasion resistance of concrete at all ages. Strong correlation exists between the abrasion resistance and each of the mechanical properties investigated. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.