Granitic quarry sludge waste in mortar: Effect on strength and durability

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Telma Ramos (Author) Other; Ana Mafalda Matos (Author) Other; Bruno Schmidt (Author) Other; Joao Rio (Author) Other; Joana Sousa Coutinho (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Construction and Building Materials

Vol. 47

Pages: 1001-1009

ISSN: 0950-0618

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Proceedings

ISI Web of Knowledge - 37 Citations

Scopus - 72 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Civil engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Civil engineering ; Technological sciences > Engineering > Civil engineering > Concrete engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-006-6T5

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.05.098

Abstract (EN): Granitic quarry sludge is an abundant waste from granite rock processing, causing serious environmental concern. The use of this waste could become a valuable resource if properly engineered into a successful solution as a partial cement replacement in concrete. The effect of granitic sludge from a quarry in northern Portugal was analyzed as a partial cement replacement in mortar in terms of strength and durability, so as to envisage its use in concrete. The experimental program included chemical analyses, laser particle size distribution and scanning electron microscopy of granitic quarry sludge, as well as mechanical strength, expansion due to alkali silica reaction and chloride penetration resistance on mortars containing different dosages of cement replacement with granitic quarry sludge waste ground to different fineness levels. Results showed that granitic quarry sludge waste, if ground to sufficient fineness, produces a denser matrix promoting up to 38% reduction in expansion due to ASR and almost 70% improvement in resistance to chlorides, without compromising workability and strength. This surprising improvement in terms of chloride resistance seems to derive from captivation of chlorides by aluminates present in the waste with formation of chloroaluminates. Finally, a properly engineered use of granitic waste in cement-based composites, leading to enhanced durability can turn granitic quarry sludge, an abundant waste, into a valuable resource and therefore contribute to sustainable construction.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9