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Investigation into the Effect of Replacing Natural Sand by Normalized Crushed Sand on Concrete Performance

  • Research Article-Civil Engineering
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Abstract

In the context of sustainable development and environmental protection, the current study aims to give scientific evidence of the feasibility of replacing natural siliceous sand with crushed limestone sand in concrete. It assesses the effect of this replacement by comparing concretes without natural sand to a reference mix incorporating natural sand. For fixed water-to-cement ratio, cement content, and coarse aggregates proportions, and for different dosages of admixture to reach the same slump, the results proved that the concrete containing natural sand required more admixture to reach the same slump value as the crushed limestone sand concrete. For the same workability, the compressive and flexural strengths were not affected by the total replacement of natural sand with crushed sand. The three types of concrete fell within the same range of durability even though scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis seemed to reveal a better paste-fine aggregate interface for crushed sand concrete. The concrete properties could be maintained when using crushed limestone sand conforming to the standard grading requirements, as the only fine aggregate in concrete.

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Acknowledgments

The funds and technical support provided by Advanced Construction Technology Services (ACTS) are greatly appreciated. The Laboratory for Materials and Durability of Construction (LMDC) of Toulouse is also acknowledged for offering expertise and technical assistance during this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. LMDC (Laboratoire Matériaux Et Durabilité Des Constructions), Université de Toulouse, INSA/UPS Génie Civil, 135 Avenue de Rangueil, 31077, Toulouse Cedex 04, France

    F. Abi Farraj, T. Vidal, M. P. Cubaynes & G. Escadeillas

  2. Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon

    F. Abi Farraj & F. Hage Chehade

  3. Advanced Construction Technology Services, Beirut, Lebanon

    M. El Barrak

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  1. F. Abi Farraj
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Abi Farraj, F., Vidal, T., El Barrak, M. et al. Investigation into the Effect of Replacing Natural Sand by Normalized Crushed Sand on Concrete Performance. Arab J Sci Eng 49, 4745–4761 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-023-08221-w

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