Mechanical Properties of Concrete Containing Foundry Sand

The properties of concrete containing foundry sand as a partial replacement of fine aggregate were investigated. Three types of sand used in foundries were considered, the white fine sand without the addition of clay and coal, the foundry sand before casting (blended), and the foundry sand after casting (spent). The standard sand (Class M) was partially replaced by (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) these types of sand. Thirteen concrete mixtures were employed to conduct this study. Concrete strength up to 90 days and length change (drying shrinkage and expansion) up to 60 days were determined. As the replacement level of standard sand with sand used in foundries increased, the strength of concrete decreased. Concrete containing white sand showed somewhat similar strength to those containing spent sand at all replacement levels. The presence of high percentage of blended sand in the concrete mixture caused a reduction in strength as compared with concrete incorporating white sand or spent sand. The increase in strength was not observed at low replacement levels (less than 50%). The length change of concrete increased as the replacement level of standard sand with the three types of sand increased. Drying shrinkage values were higher in concrete containing spent sand and lower in concrete containing white sand. Expansion was generally lower in concrete containing white sand as compared with the other two types (blended and spent) at a low sand replacement level of 25%; and, a different trend was obtained at higher levels.