An evaluation of iron ore tailings characteristics and iron ore tailings concrete properties

Incorporating waste by-products in concrete is one of the critical approaches for sustainable development. Particularly, iron ore tailings (IOT) as ordinary industrial solid waste in China is discharged and deposited. This review is a recapitulation of the material characteristics of IOT and its effects on the workability, mechanical properties, and durability of concrete. The increasing development of ore beneficiation technology, along with the collection from various sources, results in the diversity of IOT characteristics. Owing to low pozzolanic activity, IOT is generally limited to substitute cement in concrete, so which need to be activated when partly replacing cement. Moreover, their high specific surface area and irregular shape have a detrimental effect on the workability of concrete; however, mechanical properties and durability exhibit different trends with increasing replacement of IOT in concrete. And we find that on the status of an appropriate replacement IOT can lead to a satisfactory workability, mechanical properties and durability of concrete. Based on previous research, we establish the fundamental correlation between mechanical properties. These conclusions can guide the application of IOT in concrete sustainable technology. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Incorporating iron ore tailings (IOT) in concrete has a significant impact on sustainable development, with the potential to improve workability, mechanical properties, and durability. Despite low pozzolanic activity, appropriate substitution levels can lead to satisfactory performance in concrete.