PERFORMANCE OF JAROSITE BASED CONCRETE

Abstract

Jarosite is generated as a byproduct during the process of zinc extraction from its ore. It is highly toxic in nature and a source of environmental pollution hence its safe disposal is a major concern. The work presented in this dissertation is an experimental account of the tests carried out on concrete in which cement has been replaced by jarosite at percentages of 0%, 15% and 25% to explore its utilisation potential as a construction material. Isothermal calorimetry has been used to investigate the effect of jarosite on the hydration of cement as well as characterisation of cement paste containing jarosite through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and measurement of pH. The performance of concrete containing jarosite has also been assessed in terms of permeability, acid attack, sulphate attack, accelerated corrosion, marine application as well as conducting elevated temperature studies focused on the compressive strength, modulus of elasticity and the stressstrain response.