Utilization of Local Substandard Sands in the Manufacture of Concrete Elements of Irrigation Systems

The article is devoted to the problem of improving the operational quality of concrete. Creating conditions that ensure the use of substandard sands in concrete without overusing cement will not only have a positive effect on the economic performance of concrete, but, by reducing thermal cracking and shrinkage, it will also improve the performance of concrete. In addition, the use of local sand will reduce transportation costs for its delivery, which will have a positive impact on the work of enterprises and organizations. Research has proved the expediency of using local substandard fine sands in the production of concrete elements of irrigation systems. Due to the addition of a formate-alcohol diluent (FSR) to the mixture, which ensured the production of highly mobile concrete mixtures with a high degree of fluidity, it was possible to significantly (up to 40-58 MPa) increase the strength of concrete on ordinary (local, regional) aggregates by reducing water consumption per batch without reducing the mobility and fluidity of the concrete mixture.