Mechanical Properties of Structural Concrete Containing Fine Aggregates from Waste Generated by the Marble Quarrying Industry

Abstract

The aim of the research reported in this paper is to assess the mechanical performance of concrete containing different percentages of fine aggregates produced from waste generated by the marble quarrying industry (0, 20, 50, and 100% of the total volume of aggregates). More specifically, the workability and bulk density of fresh concrete were measured and the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and abrasion resistance of hardened concrete were determined. In general, concrete containing secondary fine aggregates proved to have worse mechanical properties than conventional concrete made with primary siliceous sand, basalt, and granite fine aggregates. This poorer performance was more noticeable when the replacement percentage was higher. However, the reduction in mechanical performance is acceptable and does not compromise use of these secondary aggregates in structural concrete.