Brief
Innovative research from Nottingham Trent University unveils a new form of concrete using waste foundry sand, potentially diverting 100 million tonnes of waste from landfills and revolutionising sustainable construction.
Insight
Nottingham Trent University (NTU), led by Professor Amin Al-Habaibeh, an expert in intelligent engineering systems, has spearheaded research revealing a revolutionary concrete mix incorporating waste foundry sand, a by-product of the metal casting industry.
This innovative approach has the potential to save up to 100 million tonnes of waste sand from ending up in landfills, addressing both waste management and the burgeoning demand for sustainable construction solutions.
The study delves into the capabilities of recycled waste foundry sand-based concrete, highlighting its substantial compression strength, up to 78 per cent of conventional concrete, with a substitution ratio of up to 30 per cent. Such properties render it suitable for a myriad of concrete products like garden slabs, curb stones, and cycling pavements, making it a versatile solution for lighter loadbearing applications.
Professor Al-Habaibeh, affiliated with the School of Architecture, Design, and the Built Environment at NTU, stressed the environmental benefits of this breakthrough. The reduction in the utilisation of natural sand cuts down the overall cost of concrete, lessens the need for landfilling waste foundry sand, and mitigates CO2 emissions during transportation.
Concrete, a fundamental pillar of the construction industry, typically comprises sand, cement, aggregate, and water. Foundries utilise siliceous sands to craft moulds for shaping melted metals, leading to the production of waste sands after several uses. These sands necessitate proper recovery or disposal to avert environmental ramifications.
The pioneering research at NTU demonstrates that concrete mixed with waste foundry sand can achieve a compression strength of approximately 23 newtons per square millimetre (N/mm2).
Sirwan Faraj, a PhD candidate and researcher at NTU, emphasized that recycling waste foundry sand can result in minimal reductions in the technical performances of the end products in many sectors. Despite this, it remains an optimal choice for a plethora of concrete products where a marginal decline in strength is acceptable.
In conclusion, the incorporation of waste foundry sand in concrete production symbolises a stride towards sustainable and environmentally conscious construction, presenting an effective alternative to standard sand in quality mortars and concretes.
This research not only stands as a testament to the adaptability of construction materials but also as a beacon for further innovations in eco-friendly building practices, promoting a more sustainable and resilient future for the construction industry.
Highlight
- This innovative approach has the potential to save up to 100 million tonnes of waste sand from ending up in landfills, addressing both waste management and the burgeoning demand for sustainable construction solutions
- The study delves into the capabilities of recycled waste foundry sand-based concrete, highlighting its substantial compression strength, up to 78 per cent of conventional concrete, with a substitution ratio of up to 30 per cent.
- The pioneering research at NTU demonstrates that concrete mixed with waste foundry sand can achieve a compression strength of approximately 23 newtons per square millimetre (N/mm2).
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Related Questions:
- Can foundry sand be reused?
- What is waste foundry sand used for?
- What is foundry sand used for in concrete?
- What is a waste foundry?
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