Analytical and Experimental Investigations on Using Waste Marble Powder in Concrete

Abstract

Research using marble powder as a partial replacement of cement in concrete has gained a lot of attention recently. In this paper, the effect of dried marble powder on particle packing of concrete has been demonstrated. Experimental investigations have been conducted on the effect of marble powder on hydration reaction, strength activity index, and possible reasons for the gain in strength. In addition, statistical methods were used to develop two mathematical models for marble powder incorporated in concrete using experimental values. In the first model, the ratios of 28-day compressive strength between concrete with cement partially replaced by marble powder and control concrete have been related to marble powder replacement percentage. In the second model proposed, modified and simplified relationships for the water-cement law when cement is partially replaced by marble powder have been provided. The first model was validated for both standard cubes and cylinders used for testing by researchers and the predictions showed only 7.15% error as compared with the experimental values. The second model might serve as a useful tool for mix proportioning of concrete mixes incorporating marble powder in concrete. Finally, based on a review of the literature and experimental results, a set of guidelines has been proposed for the use of marble powder as a partial replacement of cement in concrete.