Importance of moisture correction in fine powder materials for concrete

Abstract

There is a need to explore the possibility of using industrial by-products in the manufacture of concrete to make the construction sustainable. Marble and granite powders are generated in considerable amount worldwide, during the process of cutting, sawing and polishing of marble and granite stones. These materials are of uniform particle size and are slightly coarser than cement and fly ash. The utilization of these powders in concrete poses certain challenges as they have high water absorption due to the fineness of these particles. Using dry powder in concrete mixes without moisture correction leads to increase in strength and vice versa. This paper presents the method of utilizing marble and granite slurry, highlighting the importance of moisture correction necessary for the development of design strength. The moisture correction is estimated by considering the water absorption at saturated surface dry (SSD) condition. Adopting appropriate moisture correction during concrete mix design ensures that the strength follows the conventional compressive strength vs. w/c ratio trend. This can facilitate these waste fines to be effectively used and which can, in turn, reduce the consumption of aggregates and solve environmental degradation and make construction sustainable.