Micro and mechanical behaviour of Treated Used Foundry Sand concrete

• To minimize the iron content; the Used Foundry Sand (UFS) was treated with acid.
• By treating, silica in sand enriched is called as Treated Used Foundry Sand (TUFS).
• To assess properties of concrete; fine aggregate was partially replaced with TUFS.
• TUFS shows enhanced properties in mechanical and micro studies.

Used Foundry Sand (UFS) is the high quality silica sand by-product from the production of both ferrous and nonferrous metal casting industry. The UFS from ferrous metal casting industry contains more iron content. Inclusion of UFS without proper treatment in concrete will reduce the binding and strength properties. In order to minimize the iron content, the UFS was treated with acid. While treating with acid, the silica in foundry sand has been enriched. This is called as Treated Used Foundry Sand (TUFS). This paper presents the results of experimental investigation carried out to evaluate the microstructural and mechanical properties of concrete mixtures in which fine aggregate (river sand) was partially replaced with TUFS. Test results indicated a marginal increase in the strength properties and good microstructural properties of plain concrete by the inclusion of TUFS as partial replacement of fine aggregate (sand). This will pave the way for making good quality concrete and disposing the Used Foundry Sand safely without disturbing the environment.