Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Gold Tailings as a Partial Replacement for Sand in Concrete

Jacob O. Ikotun (), Rhoda A. Adeyeye () and Mike Otieno
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Jacob O. Ikotun: Department of Civil Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
Rhoda A. Adeyeye: Department of Civil Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa
Mike Otieno: School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-28

Abstract: This study explores the use of secondary gold tailings (SGTs) in concrete production to solve sand sustainability issues. This approach addresses waste issues and presents a sustainable material alternative to conventional sand, investigating different SGT proportions (ranging from 0% to 100%) to replace fine aggregate in structural concrete. This study examined the fresh, mechanical, and durability properties of concrete containing SGTs. Incorporating SGTs reduced the concrete’s workability, but up to a 75% replacement level resulted in a high fresh concrete density compared with the reference concrete. The results indicated that up to 25% replacement level increased the compressive strength and up to 50% replacement level improved the splitting tensile strength compared with reference concrete. However, all concretes containing SGTs exhibited satisfactory strengths. The statistical analysis confirmed the significant influence of SGTs on concrete strength. In addition, the durability results of the concrete demonstrated good resistance to oxygen, water, and chloride penetration, indicating good concrete quality. SGTs are recommended as a substitute for crusher sand to reduce production costs, conserve natural resources, and promote a sustainable and greener environment.

Keywords: secondary gold tailings; concrete; workability; compressive strength; oxygen permeability; water sorptivity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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