An AHP based sustainability assessment of cement mortar with synergistic utilization of granite cutting waste

Abstract

The valorization of various waste in construction sector is viewed as a sustainable measure. Protecting natural resources and minimizing waste lays the foundation for sustainable development. The study is aimed to identify the optimum utilization of granite cutting waste (GCW) in sustainable rendering mortar development. The comprehensive study is performed for cement mortar mix of 1:3 (volumetric) by replacing natural sand with 10 % range up to 50 % by GCW powder. The mortar is evaluated for flowability, Fresh density, Compressive resistance, Flexural resistance, Adhesiveness with substrate, Drying shrinkage, Water absorption capacity, Percentage voids, Hardened bulk density, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity, and Dynamic Modulus of Elasticity parameters. It is observed that, for 30 % replacement, the compressive strength increased by 75 % compared to control mortar for the 28 days curing period. The maximum flexural strength 2.99 N/mm2 is achieved for 30 %, and the highest adhesive strength, 0.89 N/mm2, is noted for 20 % replacement. Also, the microstructural studies are performed to assess the effect on the hydration of the cement. The sustainability evaluation, performed by life cycle assessment methodology, revealed that higher substitution of GCW helps in lowering the environmental impacts for cradle to gate life cycle phase of the mortar. Abiotic depletion potential Fossil Fuels and Ozone depletion potential has contributed to 19.56 and 18.82 % lower impacts for 20 % substitution by granite. The mortar mixes with varied substitutes of granite waste were also evaluated and ranked using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). In comparison to conventional rendering mortar, the AHP findings show that the mortar mix with 30 % granite waste integration scores highest above all other replacements, indicating its potential as an efficient and environmentally friendly choice. The GP50 mortar mix rated highest on Eco-efficiency index result. However, at optimum substitution of 30 %, the eco-efficiency index lies above average line.