PSI - Issue 79

Naweed Ahmad Rabani et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 79 (2026) 124–137

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3.5. Effect of Other Heavy Minerals on Concrete

Concrete characteristics are improved by using chromite, a chromium-iron-magnesium oxide mineral, and its industrial byproducts (ferrochrome slag) in place of some of the cement or aggregates. According to Dehghan et al. (2013), chromite slag can substitute 2-3% of cement without lowering compressive strength; however greater replacement percentage (15%) weakens the cement (Mesci et al., 2011). By adding ferrochrome slag as a coarse aggregate, concrete becomes more thermally resistant and suited for harsh conditions (Issa Fares et al., 2023b; Sohel et al., 2022). According to Al-Jabri & Abosohel (2023), the prior concrete maintains appropriate flexural and tensile strengths at 75% aggregate replacement. While ferrochrome slag and fly ash have low water permeability and chloride intrusion, they improve split tensile strength and durability (Mohanty et al., 2019; Salihpasaoglu & Sengul, 2020). The mechanical qualities of concrete are greatly enhanced by zircon, especially when it is present in nanoparticle form (nano ZrO2). Using hybrid nanoparticles (10% nano-SiO2+ 5% nano-ZrO2), Ashok Kumaravel and Elangovan (2023a) observed a compressive strength of 76.4 MPa at 28 days. Similarly, Mahmoud et al. (2023) found that adding nano-zirconia resulted in compressive strengths of 60 MPa after 90 days. The ideal dose varies; at 90 days, 52.3 MPa was attained with 0.7% nano-ZrO2 by cement weight (Jawad Kadhim et al., 2020). With hybrid nanoparticles, flexural strength also increases, reaching 7.38 MPa after 28 days (Ashok Kumaravel & Elangovan, 2023b). Concrete with 40% iron slag substituted for coarse aggregate has higher density, compressive strength, and radiation protection (Gencel et al., 2011; Binici et al., 2014). Although they have a low static compressive strength, steel slag aggregates provide substantial radiation shielding (Gökçe et al., 2018; Khalaf et al., 2020). Although there is still a lack of dynamic strength data, blends of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) and copper slag enhance gamma-ray attenuation (Papachristoforou et al., 2018; Pomaro et al., 2019). For nuclear infrastructure that needs ultra-high strength and shielding, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) that contains waste glass sand, metakaolin, recycled cementitious materials, or rock dust increases durability and radiation resistance while maintaining strength (Jiao et al., 2020; Mo et al., 2020; Yang et al., 2020). Nano-SiO2 enhances self-compacting concrete’s mechanical qualities and resistance to water (Ji, 2005; Quercia et al., 2014). SiO2+Fe3O4 are examples of hybrid nanoparticles that improve the endurance and thermal stability of high-performance concrete (Jalal, 2013; Shekari & Razzaghi, 2011).

Table 6: Key effects of Other Heavy Minerals on concrete

Mineral/Material

Effects on Concrete Properties

Citation

Chromite slag

Replaces 2–3% cement, improving compressive strength; higher replacements reduce strength. Enhances thermal resistance and improves durability. Maximizes compressive strength and flexural strength. At 40% aggregate replacement, Increases density, strength, and gamma-ray shielding. Exhibits low static compressive strength but provides radiation shielding. improves durability and radiation resistance. While retaining strength In self-compacting concrete enhances water resistance and mechanical properties

(Dehghan et al., 2013; Mesci et al., 2011)

Ferrochrome slag

(Al-Jabri & Abosohel, 2023; Sohel et al., 2022) (Ashok Kumaravel & Elangovan, 2023a,b)

Nano-ZrO ₂

Iron slag

(Gencel et al., 2011; Binici et al., 2014)

Steel slag

(Gökçe et al., 2018; Khalaf et al., 2020)

(Jiao et al., 2020; Yang et al., 2020)

UHPC with recycled waste

Nano-SiO ₂

(Ji, 2005; Quercia et al., 2014)

4. Conclusion

In certain applications where high density, radiation protection, and thermal resilience are necessary, the performance of building materials can be greatly enhanced by adding heavy minerals to concrete. Minerals that enhance thermal stability, compressive strength, and gamma-ray attenuation include ilmenite, hematite, barite, and magnetite. Compared to ordinary concrete, barite has a radiation-shielding efficiency that is about 51% higher. In Ultra-high performance formulations, hematite improves heat conductivity and radiation attenuation, while magnetite boosts mechanical strength to 68MPa and improves microwave deicing