Utilization of Used Foundry Sand in Concrete

Abstract

This research was conducted to investigate the performance of fresh and hardened concrete containing discarded foundry sands in place of fine aggregate. A control concrete mix was proportioned to achieve a 28‐day compressive strength of 38 MPa (5,500 psi). Other concrete mixes were proportioned to replace 25% and 35% by weight of regular concrete sand with clean/new foundry sand and used foundry sand. Concrete performance was evaluated with respect to compressive strength, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity. At 28‐day age, concrete containing used foundry sand showed about 20–30% lower values than concrete without used foundry sand. But concrete containing 25% and 35% clean/new foundry sand gave almost the same compressive strength as that of the control mix.