Optimization of Red Sand Particle Size and Composition in Mixture with Ordinary Sand to Enhance Concrete Quality

Abstract In this study we determined the effect of variations in composition and particle size of Red Sand (RS) grains on the quality of concrete. Concrete was prepared as cubes of 15 cm3 with a composition of cement, sand and gravel in a ratio 1:2:3 and water to cement ratio of 0.5. Variations of RS (fine aggregate) composition are 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 % of the weight and red sand grain particle size were prepared as 80 mesh, 100 mesh, 120 mesh. Mechanical properties of the maximum concrete pressure strength test at a composition of 5 % along with a decrease in the size of the red sand grain size of 100 mesh and 120 mesh RS 100-5 and RS 120-5 with pressure forces of 35.4 MPa, and 35.5 MPa, respectively. On the other hand, the red sand with 80 mesh grain size have maximum pressure force in a composition 10 % RS 80-10 is 34.6 MPa. It is considered the addition of red sand fine aggregate has an impact on improving the quality of concrete.