Experimental investigation of the sustainable concrete production from Pyhäsalmi copper tailing in Finland

Abstract

In this study, an experimental investigation of sustainable M20 concrete production from Pyhäsalmi copper tailing was conducted. To achieve this, the physical and chemical properties of Pyhäsalmi copper tailing were investigated using X-ray florescence, specific gravity tests and sieve analysis. This was followed by partial to complete replacement of the sand content in M20 concrete with copper tailing at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. The early, mid, and late ages of modified M20 concrete molds were investigated using a TONIPactII compressive machine. In addition, acid, scanning electron microscopy, water absorption and drainage tests were conducted. The results revealed that the modified concrete model with 40% sand replacement exhibited the highest compressive strength (36.93MPa). Similarly, acid tests showed that modified concrete design with 40% and 60% sand replacement possess relatively high resistance to acid corrosion as well as highest compressive strength after acid tests (28.71MPa and 26.07MPa, respectively). Water absorption and drainage tests revealed that although modified M20 concrete models with increased sand replacement possessed higher water absorption, they also possessed relatively faster drainage properties. This resulted in modified M20 models drying faster than the control specimen when submerged in water for 24 hours. Based on the study findings, the partial replacement of sand constituents (40%) in M20 concrete is recommended for sustainable concrete production. Application of the study findings could improve green environments by reducing environmental pollution associated with mine tailing disposal as well as reducing the cost of mine tailing disposal and storage in the mining industry.