An Experimental Investigation on Geopolymer Concrete Beam with Partial Replacement of M-Sand Using Iron Ore Tailings

The increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials has led to the development of aggregates that can partially or fully replace M-Sand in concrete. In this study, an experimental investigation was carried out to evaluate the mechanical, durability and structural behaviour of concrete incorporating Iron ore tailings as partial replacement of M-Sand. Material testing, Mechanical properties study and Durability properties study was conducted on both conventional Geopolymer concrete and Geopolymer concrete mixes. In this investigation, Iron ore tailings were used to replace M-Sand in varying proportions of 0%, 20% ,40 %and 60% for Mechanical properties study. The results indicated that the inclusion of 40% of Iron ore tailings exhibited optimal strength characteristics. The Durability study and Flexural behaviour study was conducted on both conventional Geopolymer concrete and inclusion of 40% of Iron ore tailings Geopolymer concrete mixes. Cubes(100x100x100mm), Discs(100x50mm), Beams(150x150x1000mm) were casted for Durability study and Flexural behaviour study. It confirming that 40% replacement of M-sand with iron ore tailings provides optimum strength, better resistance to aggressive environments. flexural performance. The study concludes that Iron ore tailings have the potential to serve as a sustainable alternative aggregate, contributing to environmentally friendly and energy-efficient construction materials.