Applicability of tunnel muck as an alternative for fine aggregates in cement concrete

Abstract

One of the recent applications of Tunnel boring Machines (TBM) in Sri Lanka is Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP). During rainy periods, the washed tunnel muck particles sediment in low agricultural lands forming infertile soil. It mainly affects the agricultural sector in the respective area of the country. Therefore, it appears that there is a need to study the reuse of the tunnel muck as an alternative for sand which is a very expensive construction material these days, or any other field as a useful material in an effective manner. The objective of this study is to determine the applicability of tunnel muck as an alternative for sand in concrete as fine aggregate. The material properties of tunnel muck were analysed. Water absorption and workability were higher in the concrete mixed with tunnel muck because the tunnel muck particles are finer than normal sand particles. It was observed that there was a slight decrease in the compressive strength of the concrete casted with tunnel muck. However, the compressive strength could be increased with higher cement content in the concrete. Furthermore, the mix designs with adjusted values were proposed for the concrete mixed with tunnel muck as fine aggregates.