Marble Cement Research Articles

Producing sustainable binding materials using marble waste blended with fly ash and rice husk ash for building materials

Abstract This study explores the possibilities of a new binding material, i.e., marble cement (MC) made from recycled marble. It will assess how well it performs when mixed with ash from rice husks and fly ash. This research analyzes flexural strength of marble cement mortar (FR-MCM), a mortar that incorporates MC, fly ash, and rice husk ash. A set of machine learning models capable of predicting CS and FS (flexural and compressive strengths) were developed. Gene expression programming (GEP) and multi-expression programming (MEP) are crucial in creating these types of models. Statistics, Taylor’s diagrams, R 2 values, and comparisons of experimental and theoretical results were used to evaluate the models. Stress testing also showed how different input features affected the model’s outputs. The accuracy of all GEP models was shown to fall within the acceptable range (R 2 = 0.952 for CS and R 2 = 0.920 for FS), and all MEP prediction models were determined to be exceptionally accurate (R 2 = 0.970 for CS and R 2 = 0.935 for FS). The statistical testing for error validation also verified that MEP models were more accurate than GEP models. According to sensitivity analysis, curing age and rice husk ash exerted the most significant influence on the prediction of CS and FS, followed by fly ash and MC.

Compressive strength of waste-derived cementitious composites using machine learning

Abstract Marble cement (MC) is a new binding material for concrete, and the strength assessment of the resulting materials is the subject of this investigation. MC was tested in combination with rice husk ash (RHA) and fly ash (FA) to uncover its full potential. Machine learning (ML) algorithms can help with the formulation of better MC-based concrete. ML models that could predict the compressive strength (CS) of MC-based concrete that contained FA and RHA were built. Gene expression programming (GEP) and multi-expression programming (MEP) were used to build these models. Additionally, models were evaluated by calculating R 2 values, carrying out statistical tests, creating Taylor’s diagram, and comparing theoretical and experimental readings. When comparing the MEP and GEP models, MEP yielded a slightly better-fitted model and better prediction performance (R 2 = 0.96, mean absolute error = 0.646, root mean square error = 0.900, and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency = 0.960). According to the sensitivity analysis, the prediction of CS was most affected by curing age and MC content, then by FA and RHA contents. Incorporating waste materials such as marble powder, RHA, and FA into building materials can help reduce environmental impacts and encourage sustainable development.

Application of machine learning boosting and bagging methods to predict compressive and flexural strength of marble cement mortar

Compressive (CS) and flexural strength (FS) of sustainable mortar made from waste materials were estimated using machine learning (ML) tools. Ensemble ML techniques, including extreme gradient boosting (XGB) and bagging regressor (BR), were utilized to accomplish the study goals. The outcomes of the estimation models were compared with target values, and statistical checks were performed to assess and compare the models. Additionally, in order to determine the influence of mortar constituents on CS and FS estimation of mortar, the Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method was implemented. XGB exhibited superior predictive capabilities for the CS and FS of mortar compared to the BR approach, as evidenced by R2 values of 0.98 and 0.94 for the CS-XGB and FS-XGB models, respectively. Statistical validation checks provided additional evidence that the ML models were effective in estimating the strength of sustainable mortar. The results of the SHAP study showed that the most promising components that contributed favorably to strength were testing age, fly ash, and rice husk ash; however, waste-derived cement had a negative impact. Establishing models that can determine the CS and FS of mortar for different values of the input parameters could save time and money compared to doing the tests in a lab.

Sustainable alternate binding material for concrete using waste materials: A testing and computational study for the strength evaluation

This study targets to create a firsthand marble-based binding material (MC) for assessing its strength mixed with fly ash (FA) and Rice husk ash (RHA). MC was produced by scorching waste marble powder and clay. The MC was then mixed distinctly with fluctuating quantities of RHA and FA (20, 30, and 40% by mass of MC) to find the most appropriate blend for concretes in terms of strength achievement. Different machine learning (ML) methods, such as support vector machine (SVM) and AdaBoost regressor (AR), were utilized for compressive strength (CS) prediction after the CS test and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the performance of ML models was evaluated by comparing their R2 values, performing statistical checks and k-fold analysis, and calculating the deviation between the experimental and predicted CS. The CS of blended marble cement concretes (MCMs) was lower at the age of 28 days. However, at later ages (90–364 days), the CS of MCMs with 30% RHA (R30) was found slightly greater than the ordinary Portland cement concrete. The SVM model was reasonably accurate, but the AR model was more precise in estimating the CS of MCMs. Sustainable development is promoted through the mitigation of ecological distress caused by the discarding of marble debris, RHA, and FA through their incorporation into construction materials.

Investigating the feasibility of producing sustainable and compatible binder using marble waste, fly ash, and rice husk ash: A comprehensive research for material characteristics and production

This research aims to develop a new marble-based binding material for evaluating its strength blended with rise husk ash and fly ash. Newly developed marble-based cement was prepared by burning waste marble powder and clay. The marble cement was then blended separately with varying amounts of fly ash (20, 30, and 40% by mass of marble cement) and rice husk ash (20, 30, and 40% by mass of marble cement) to find the most suitable combination for mortar in terms of strength gain. The mortar specimens were subjected to various load tests, including compressive and flexural strength, and also to various morphology and microstructural tests including X-Ray diffraction, thermo-gravimetric, and scanning electron microscopy analyses. According to the results, the compressive strength of the marble cement mortar was less than ordinary Portland cement mortar but greater than the M1 mortar (5 MPa, minimum compressive strength of mortar for brick masonry) as per the Building Code of Pakistan 2007 (BCP:2007) and Indian Standards (IS:1905). Blended marble cement mortars displayed improved strengths, yet the early strength of blended mortars was lower than Portland cement mortar due to higher di-calcium silicate content and slow pozzolanic activity, but the later-age strength of mortar prepared with the marble cement blended with 30% rice husk ash was found marginally higher than the ordinary Portland cement mortar. Moreover, incorporating marble waste, rice husk ash, and fly ash as binding materials to manufacture building materials will encourage sustainable growth by reducing environmental issues associated with their disposal.

Determination of Mechanical Properties of Marble Cement Mortar Using Pozzolanic Material

Determination of Mechanical Properties of Marble Cement Mortar Using Pozzolanic Material

Conversion of Waste Marble Powder into a Binding Material

In the marble industry, a lot of marble is wasted in the form of odd blocks of various sizes and slurry consisting of water and micro-fine particles. The slurry on drying converts into powder. Both slurry and powder have adverse effects on the environment. This research is focused on the gainful utilization of waste marble powder (WMP) by converting it into a valuable binding material. For this purpose, WMP and clay were collected, and their physical and chemical properties were determined. A mix of WMP and clay was prepared and burnt at a temperature around 1300 oC. The burnt mix was ground to powder form to get marble cement (MC). The MC was then used in mortar. The compressive and flexural strengths of mortar cubes and prisms were determined. Apart from this, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis were also carried out. The chemical composition showed that the MC has 52.5% di-calcium silicate (C2S) and 3.5% tri-calcium silicate (C3S).The compressive strength of MC mortar after 28 days curing is 6.03 MPa, which is higher than M1 mortar of building code of Pakistan (5 MPa). The compressive strength of MC mortar after one year is 20.67 MPa, which is only 17% less than OPC mortar.

Effects of Elevated Temperature for the Marble Cement Paste Products for Better Sustainable Construction

Marble has been effectively used as a building material since the early civilization. The construction sector needs to effectively utilize wastes that cause serious environmental problems around the world. Structure of cementitious composites can be classified into micro, meso, and macro levels. For cementitious matrix subjected to high temperature, with the increase in temperature, physical and mechanical properties tend to decrease at macro-level, internal structures deteriorate, and micro-defects develop at micro and meso-levels. Studying the physical and mechanical properties of cementitious matrix at elevated temperature helps us understand the mechanisms of such deterioration or reduction in both physical and mechanical properties. At elevated temperature, the compressive strength loss of hardened cement paste composites comprising 80% of marble dust was 81% at the end of 28-day curing period, and the reduction increased to 84% for the hardened cement paste composites comprising 60% of marble dust. Its seems that 300 0 C was optimum temperature for hardened marble cement paste composites in that physical and mechanical properties above this level were adversely affected.

Effects of Elevated Temperature for the Marble Cement Paste Products for Better Sustainable Construction

Effects of Elevated Temperature for the Marble Cement Paste Products for Better Sustainable Construction

Dynamic response of reinforced masonry columns in classical monuments

From the mechanical point of view, the particularity of masonry structures stems from the fact that the structural system is hard to be modeled by the classical Continuum Mechanics approach. The problem gets more complicated when imperfections, such as cracks are present. An example of a single multi-drum column, with fractured drums, is studied herein, using the Distinct Element Method (DEM). The purpose of the research is the investigation of the impact of the fractures to the overall stability of the structure. The 3D DEM numerical results are explained on the basis of simple 2D analytical considerations. The shear and normal crack deformation is monitored and the minimum required strength of the crack interface is quantified. An experimental program of direct shear tests is set in order to estimate the strength of the marble–cement interface. The experimental values are compared to the minimum required from the numerical analysis.

Comparisons of ITZ characteristics of marble and sandstone aggregates

The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) has a great influence on the properties of cement-based materials. The ITZ characteristics of marble and sandstone aggregates were compared in terms of the following aspects and methods: morphology of hydration products by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), element ratio of calcium (Ca) and silicon (Si) by energy dispersion X-ray spectrometry (EDX), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) crystalline orientation index by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and pore structure by backscattered electron imaging and stereo microscope. An attempt had been made to compare the mechanical properties and transport properties of ITZ by two methods – bending strength and chloride ion permeability. The results showed that a richer calcium hydroxide and a higher crystalline orientation were found in the ITZ of marble–cement paste because of the acidic difference of the aggregates. However, a more porous structure appeared in the interface of sandstone–cement paste, which was attributed to the porous structure of sandstone itself. Also the sandstone–cement ITZ was found to exhibit poor mechanical properties and high permeability.

Editorial

Editorial

Joining Fragmented Epistyles Using Threaded Titanium Bars: A Numerical Analysis

Abstract: The mechanical behaviour of marble architraves, restored with titanium bars and suitable cementitious material, is studied with the aid of the finite‐element method. The study was motivated by the needs of the conservation project in progress on the Parthenon Temple of the Acropolis of Athens. A realistic numerical model was created taking into account the exact geometry of the threaded bars as well as the exact mechanical properties of the materials involved. The architrave was considered as a prismatic beam of rectangular cross section, centrally fractured and restored with one threaded titanium bar. The bar was inserted in a hole of slightly greater diameter drilled in the member and filled with suitable cementitious material. In this way, a sequence of three materials appears (marble–cement–titanium) giving birth to two interfaces (marble–cement and cement–titanium). Emphasis was given to the influence of the cement layer on the stress and strain fields. The cement was modelled as either linear or bilinear material and the analysis indicated the crucial role of this layer for the drastic reduction in the strain discontinuities.