Investigations on Jarosite Mixed Cement Concrete Pavements

The purpose of the present study is to deal with the potential application of jarosite, a waste material produced during the extraction of zinc ore concentrate using the hydro metallurgy operation, in the production of the concrete. The method involves a total of five mixes including the control mix which was prepared by partially replacing the cement by the jarosite varying from 10, 15, 20 and 25%. It was noticed that incorporation of jarosite did not much alter the fresh concrete properties, as it was well within the desired range. The present laboratory investigation results also confirmed that as the percentage of jarosite in the concrete mix was increased, the mechanical properties of the concrete tend to decrease gradually but can be improved further by adding mineral and chemical admixtures. Further, the water absorption properties were also got improved. Other durability properties like acid attack, chlorine resistance and abrasion loss were found to decrease as the percentage of the jarosite in the concrete mix was increased. From the study, it can be concluded that, up to 15% of jarosite can be used as the replacement of the cement in the construction of the highways. Higher percentage of the jarosite can be used for low traffic volume or village roads for the safe disposal and reuse of the industrial waste.