Effect of Colemanite-Based Boron Concentrator Waste on Concrete Properties

It is estimated that approximately 0.5-1 million tons of boron waste is generated annually in Turkey. Most of these wastes are concentrated in Kırka (Eskişehir), Bandırma (Balıkesir) and Bigadiç (Balıkesir) plants. Disposal of these wastes is an important environmental problem. In this study, the usability of colemanite concentrator waste from Kütahya-Emet Eti Maden Company as cement and concrete admixture was investigated by experiments on concrete specimens. The strengths of colemanite concentrator waste at 5%, 10%, 20% and by changing the proportions of colemanite concentrator waste and adding fly ash with the waste into cement at 10% and 20% were investigated. When the mechanical properties were examined, 5% colemanite waste gave the best results in the specimens. It was also observed that it reduced the setting time.