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Exploring properties, durability, and environmental impact of barite rejects aggregates in concrete

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Category: Content №3 2026

Last Updated on 26 June 2026

Published on 30 November -0001

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Authors:

O. Djezairi*, orcid.org/0009-0007-2829-8186, University of Bejaia, Faculty of Technology, Department of Mines and Geology, Laboratory of Materials Technology and  Process Engineering (LTMGP), Bejaia, Algeria, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

S. Kherbache, orcid.org/0009-0005-7206-3363, University of Bejaia, Faculty of the Technology, Laboratory of Construction Engineering and Architecture (LGCA), Bejaia, Algeria

N. Bouzidi, orcid.org/0000-0002-9154-5895, University of Bejaia, Faculty of Technology, Department of Mines and Geology, Laboratory of Materials Technology and  Process Engineering (LTMGP), Bejaia, Algeria

L. Perez-Villarejo, orcid.org/0000-0002-6912-9844, University of Jaén, Department of Chemical, Environment and Materials Engineering, Jaén, Kingdom of Spain; University of Jaén, Center for Advanced Studies in Earth Sciences, Energy and Environment (CEACTEMA), Jaén, Kingdom of Spain

B. Ayaden, orcid.org/0009-0006-1643-6572, University of Bejaia, Faculty of Technology, Department of Mines and Geology, Laboratory of Materials Technology and  Process Engineering (LTMGP), Bejaia, Algeria

* Corresponding author e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

повний текст / full article

Naukovyi Visnyk Natsionalnoho Hirnychoho Universytetu. 2026, (3): 066 - 075

https://doi.org/10.33271/nvngu/2026-3/066

Abstract:

Purpose. To study the use of rejected barite aggregates (BRA) from the Boucaïd mine as a partial substitute for quarry sand in concrete.

Methodology. The concrete was prepared by replacing quarry sand (QS) with rejected barite aggregates (BRA) of fraction 0/4 mm, at (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%). The mechanical properties and durability of the concrete were studied. Durability was assessed using leaching tests, in which concrete monoliths were immersed in water, an acid solution, and a sulfate solution. The leachates obtained were then subjected to chemical analysis to determine the heavy metal (Fe, Zn, and Pb) content.

Findings. A significant improvement in the properties of the concrete was observed, particularly in terms of compressive strength. The addition of 10 wt% of BRA led to optimal performance, with a compressive strength of 56.44 MPa. Durability of the best concrete exposed to water, acid and sulfate attacks show a good resistance, since loss in mass of the concretes is stabilized after 48 hours of immersion. As regards environmental sustainability, chemical analysis of the concrete containing 10 wt% of barite rejects aggregate reveals that the levels of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Pb) from leaching tests remain low and within regulatory limits (USEPA) since they are trapped and immobilized in the concrete structure.

Originality. The novelty of this study lies in justifying the feasibility of the use of barite mine rejects as a partial substitute for quarry sand in concrete. The study highlights both an improvement in mechanical properties, particularly compressive strength and durability, and a sustainable environmental approach. This type of recovery has never been reported before for this type of mine reject.

Practical value. This study proposes a sustainable and applicable approach to materials for the construction industry, which enables the recycling of mining rejects adding value to them and providing an effective method for rehabilitating mining sites.

Keywords: barite rejects aggregate, concrete, durability, leaching test, environmental impact

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