Study of mechanical, micro-structural and environmental properties of concrete containing zinc industry waste for pavements

The main objective of the present study was to investigate the utilization of zinc industry waste (jarosite) in the production of concrete by replacing it with the cement. The properties of the jarosite mixed concrete, in which the jarosite had partially replaced (0, 10, 15, 20 and 25%) the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), were also studied. Compressive and flexural strengths, abrasion resistance, air permeability and sorptivity of concrete mixes were also investigated after the curing periods of 28, 90, 180 and 365 days. Further, SEM, EDS and TCLP analysis were conducted to study the micro-structural properties and leaching characteristics of jarosite mixed concrete. From the experimental results it was found that the compressive and flexural strengths showed significant improvement when the curing period of the specimens was increased. Air permeability and sorptivity tests had given best results when the cement was replaced by 25% of jarosite. Further, the TCLP analysis revealed that toxicity of the jarosite concrete was found within permissible limits as compared to the raw jarosite. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.