Optimized structural performance of paver blocks of bajri concrete: Nrm partly substituting cement

Abstract

The discarded object dart during alumina extraction from bauxite ores in Bayers process is Red Mud. The solid/ liquid insoluble by-product dumped in exposed red mud ponds which are radioactive, highly alkaline and environmental contaminant to soil, surface water and ground water and possess disposal threats. Recent trend in increased urbanization and modernization has plenty of use of exterior flooring by concrete pavers block depending upon traffic load and volume. Present work is to know whether this red mud can be reused as a sustainable construction material to replace cement. The XRF spectroscopic advantage is taken to determine the composition identities between red mud and OPC cement. The study reveals the optimized percentage of red mud blend with cement after neutralization normalization. It cannot be disposed of easily. Attempt has been made to use bajri as the coarse aggregate instead of 12mm chips. The crusher by-product is having less use as construction materials. So the spare of cement by compensating with red mud and use of bajri shall be cost effective, environmentally sustainable and convenient disposal of the harmful waste. The mechanical characteristics like compressive, flexural, and split tensile strength etc., at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% replacement of cement by red mud is found by using compressive testing machine (CTM) and universal testing machine (UTM) adhering to IS: 15658 (2006) and amended in 2011. The 20% OPC cement substitution by red mud is found to be adequate and will maintain sustainability.