Study on strength formation and frost resistance of concrete modified by molybdenum tailings

Solid waste tailing materials from molybdenum mining in China occupy extensive land areas and threaten the health of nearby residents. To address the risk and the increasing shortage of natural construction materials, using those tailings as a construction material is a potential option for the construction industry. Modified concrete mixed with other tailings materials has been widely studied. The application of molybdenum tailings modified concrete to cold regions needs to fully consider its durability. Through the concrete cube compressive strength test and rapid freeze-thaw cycle test after different standard curing time, the strength formation process and frost resistance of molybdenum tailings modified concrete are explored. On this basis, the optimal content of Mo tailing material was determined. Results demonstrated that the compressive strength and frost resistance of Mo-tailing-modified concretes increased first and then decreased with the increase in Mo tailing content. The optimal modification effect was achieved when the Mo tailing content reached 20%. Under that circumstance, the porosity of Mo-tailing-modified concrete was at a minimum before and after the freeze–thaw cycles, thus increasing mechanical and antifrost properties significantly.