Publication

Abstract : This paper attempts to study the use of dolomite rock sand (DRS) as fine aggregate replacement to crushed sand considering the increasing demand from construction industry and depleting crushed sand availability, in this regard DRS as fine aggregate (FA) replacement might be a sustainable option. Further- DRS was chosen for this study, considering its local availability in abundance in the region of Coimbatore and its transportation within the region proves to be cost effective in comparison with crushed sand. Concrete design mixes were prepared to achieve concrete grades of M20, M25 and M30 for FA replacement by 0, 10, 20 and 30% for each concrete grade. Tests on fresh and hardened concrete were conducted. The scope of the study also focused on durability aspects of concrete. The results of the study indicated that, for all concrete grades, 20–30% of FA replacement by DRS was found to be optimum, further comparative analysis was performed between control sample with crushed sand as fine aggregate and with crushed sand replaced by DRS in various % replacements. DRS showed better performance in concrete and was found to be a good alternative replacement for crushed sand. Also, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) was done to analyze the packing and chemical composition of the aggregates in concrete and suitable conclusions were drawn. Thus, this research in using DRS with the combinations of crushed sand in specific proportions has proven to be a sustainable option.