RECTANGULAR CONCRETE BLOCKS FOR INTERLOCKING PAVING: USE OF SPENT FOUNDRY SAND AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR NATURAL SAND

Abstract

Spent foundry sand (SFS) is a solid waste generated in large quantities by the foundry industry. The use of the SFS as a substitute for natural sand is a more sustainable solution to address disposal issues. In this study, rectangular concrete blocks were developed for use in paving with total replacement of natural sand by SFS contaminated with phenolic resins. This allowed for the analysis of the influence of SFS on the concrete properties. The SFS underwent characterization through X-Ray Diffraction and X-Ray Fluorescence, thermal analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The mechanical and chemical properties of the blocks obtained demonstrate their technical feasibility and compliance with Brazilian regulatory standards for pavement application (compression strength > 50 MPa and water absorption < 6%). Therefore, this study suggests that producing rectangular concrete blocks with total sand replacement with SFS is a more sustainable, technically and economically feasible alternative.

Keywords

• Spent Foundry Sand
• Concrete Blocks
• Phenolic Resin
• Waste Foundry Sand
• Interlocked Pavement