Fluorite mineral waste as natural aggregate replacement in concrete

Abstract

In recent years, researches on the use of mineral wastes in concrete have increased. These researches aim both to sustain waste management and to improve the mechanical properties of concrete. In the present study, the usability of fluorite mineral wastes, which are harmful to the environment and human health, in concrete as natural aggregate replacement was investigated. In this context, by substituting 5%, 10% and 20% fluorite mineral waste in the concrete mix instead of natural aggregate, the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural tensile strength, direct tensile strength and abrasion resistance were compared with the reference sample. Experimental studies revealed improvements in mechanical properties of samples containing fluorite mineral waste compared to control samples. Especially, 7-day compressive strengths of samples containing fluorite waste increased by 9.3%, 9.9% and 12.5% compared to control samples, and also 90-day abrasion resistances were increased by 6.61%, 15.52% and 25.95%, respectively. As a result of the study, it has been determined that fluorite waste can be used in concrete mixtures that require early strength and in floor applications exposed to friction effects. In this way, both a waste that is harmful in nature can be disposed of and the mechanical properties of concrete will be improved. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.