An Experimental Study on Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregates and Cement with Phosphogypsum in Concrete

Abstract

Concrete is such a composite material which invites many ways for exploration in its ingredients. Several attempts have been made and experiments done with its basic raw materials especially substituting its fine aggregates and cement with other additives. And this effort of experimenting with the materials is never ending.  But our first choice for the substitute obviously is which is highly available and also economical; it would be more preferable if it could add to our environmental conservation. One such material is Phosphogypsum, which is a by-product in the fertilizer plant. It is essentially composed of calcium sulphate, which is basically produced as a waste product in the production of phosphoric acid. If it is disposed without proper measures taken, it could harm the environment, due to presence of its radioactive elements. This study focuses on the use of one of those building materials that are sustainable and abundantly available waste such as phosphogypsum in concrete and study the properties of concrete when its ingredients are partially replaced by phosphogypsum. The comparative study helps us to learn about the various ways in which the properties of conventional concrete can be enhanced by replacing its fine aggregates and cement by various percentages of phosphogypsum.