Development of sustainable compositions

In connection with the growing need for saving natural resources used in aggregates for concrete, the importance of lightweight structural aggregates obtained from production waste is continuously increasing. Lightweight structural concretes on porous aggregates can significantly reduce the weight of structures, allowing the manufacturing of larger constructions, decreasing transport costs, and enhancing the thermal insulation and acoustic properties of enclosing structures. This study focuses on the utilization of mining and processing waste from the Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin to produce lightweight porous aggregate. The results showcase the examination of the charge's granulometric composition, the quantitative content of raw mix components, and the temperature of heat treatment on aggregate quality. An optimal raw material mixture for the artificial aggregate was identified. The research includes findings from X-ray diffraction thermographic analysis of raw granules and mathematic modeling to study the influence of technological factors on aggregate density and strength. The equations established contribute to understanding the regularities of the raw mixture components and the thermal processing required for optimal aggregate performance. Moreover, the research outlines the structural and porosity characteristics of the developed aggregate alongside the physical and mechanical properties thereof.