Reuse of local sand:: effect of limestone filler proportion on the rheological and mechanical properties of different sand concretes

This work aims at the promotion of local sand reuse. Two main objectives are present in this research work: (1) to study the possibility of exploiting local sand available in large quantities in a sand concrete and (2) to partially find a solution to substitute scarce coarse aggregate in concrete. Fillers, which derive from calcareous wastes, are utilized to correct the particle size distribution of sands. For this investigation, three distinct sands have been used: a dune sand (DS), a river sand (RS), and a mixture of dune and river sand in predetermined proportions. After characterizing the materials used, the mixture design of the three corresponding sand concretes has been optimized on the basis of compactness and workability criteria. The influence of filler limestone has, in particular, been examined. A microstructural investigation has provided a better analysis of the mechanical behavior of the derived materials. This study shows the importance of both filler concentration and sand particle size distribution. Using a mixture of dune and river sands in predetermined proportions, in association with limestone filler, allows to obtain a more workable, more compact, and more resistant sand concrete. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.