This research investigated the suitability of mine waste as partial replacement of sand in concrete using two concrete grades: 30 Mpa and 25 Mpa prepared with water/cement ratio of 0.5 and 0.3 respectively. It was established that mine waste can be utilised for partial replacement of fine aggregates in concrete. However, a possibility of achieving desirable strength at 60{d109a564b5af1069e15ea8bc524cfa1dbeb8a016430020a6fc53ea8abd8ad77b} sand replacement by mine waste exists in dry concrete mixes. However, there is need to conduct further laboratory experiments on samples with 40- 60{d109a564b5af1069e15ea8bc524cfa1dbeb8a016430020a6fc53ea8abd8ad77b} mine waste material content. This idea was formulated through extrapolating the behaviour of concrete results with 0- 30{d109a564b5af1069e15ea8bc524cfa1dbeb8a016430020a6fc53ea8abd8ad77b} mine solid waste. Mine waste (up to 30{d109a564b5af1069e15ea8bc524cfa1dbeb8a016430020a6fc53ea8abd8ad77b} substitution) exhibited good workability, strength and density, it may be recommended for use on several selected construction projects. These findings have practical benefits. Solid waste disposal is a worldwide problem. If not properly disposed, these materials become sources of environmental pollution and the problems related to it. Part of mine waste is the solid waste material left during the purification of the precious metals. Correct and safe disposal of this waste is essential, thus its use as a substitute in construction material would result this waste.
Stones (10mm) after drying
Concrete cubes test specimen
Fresh concrete in cubes with 30{d109a564b5af1069e15ea8bc524cfa1dbeb8a016430020a6fc53ea8abd8ad77b} partial replacement of sand with mine waste
Concrete cube crushing at Alfred Knight in Kitwe
Demonstration of cost saving using varying percentages of mine waste