Experimental study of concrete made with granite and iron powders as partial replacement of sand

Granite Powder (GP) and Iron Powder (IP) are industrial byproducts generated from the granite polishing and milling industry in powder form respectively. These byproducts are left largely unused and are hazardous materials to human health because they are airborne and can be easily inhaled. An experimental investigation has been carried out to explore the possibility of using the granite powder and iron powder as a partial replacement of sand in concrete. Twenty cubes and ten beams of concrete with GP and twenty cubes and ten beams of concrete with IP were prepared and tested. The percentages of GP and IP added to replace sand were 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of the sand by weight. It was observed that substitution of 10% of sand by weight with granite powder in concrete was the most effective in increasing the compressive and flexural strength compared to other ratios. The test resulted showed that for 10% ratio of GP in concrete, the increase in the compressive strength was about 30% compared to normal concrete. Similar results were also observed for the flexure. It was also observed that substitution of up to 20% of sand by weight with iron powder in concrete resulted in an increase in compressive and flexural strength of the concrete.