Coal mine overburden sand as resource material for making cement concrete

The growing demand for sand and the environmental impact of sand mining have prompted efforts to find sustainable alternatives. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India, advocates for the use of M-sand and recycled sand in construction to reduce dependency on natural sand. This study explores the potential of coal mine overburden (CMOB) sand as a substitute for natural sand in concrete production. Comprehensive tests, including chemical, petrographic, and physical analyses, were conducted to evaluate CMOB sand's suitability. Concrete mixes with CMOB sand were tested for strength, workability, and durability. Results reveal that CMOB sand can fully replace natural sand without compromising structural integrity. The concrete demonstrated excellent compressive strength, moderate workability, and strong resistance to carbonation, chloride penetration, and acid attacks. This highlights CMOB sand as an eco-friendly, effective alternative, reducing reliance on natural resources while ensuring durable concrete applications.