Investigation of waste marble powder in the development of sustainable concrete

Abstract

Concrete with conventional materials leads to a reduction in available natural materials and properties. Also, waste materials are dumped into the soil that causes environmental degradation. Thus the recent researches are developing an approach to the inclusion of waste material as an alternative to conventional concrete. Marble waste powder dumping is currently a global environmental issue. It can be utilized as an alternative material in the production of new products to reduce material scarcity and environmental degradation. In this regard, this study attempts to reduce the utilization of fine aggregates in concrete by partially replacing them with marble wastes. The effects on the concrete mechanical properties with waste marble powder as fine aggregate were examined. Before preparing the samples, the wet marble sludge was desiccated. Then the dried material was sieved before used as a fine sand aggregate in the experiment. Concrete specimens by replacing the fine aggregate from 0% to 50% with a 10% increment in marble powder (by weight) were made. The samples were cured for 7, 14 and 28 days. The outcome of waste marble powder on workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength concerning curing age was determined. The results reveal that the increase in waste marble powder ratios leads to increased mechanical characteristics of the concrete. The concrete specimen with 10% marble powder in all the mixes was optimal. It is also determined that 10% of marble powder shows improved properties compared to conventional mixes. This indicates that marble powder can replace the fine aggregate in concrete with an overall increase in efficiency at the same time. Also, the use of marble powder is cost-effective due to its accessibility and production.