Drying Shrinkage, Sorptivity and Micro-Structural Characteristics of Cellular Concrete Containing Waste Marble Powder as Cementitious Materials

Abstract

Given the escalating shortage of natural resources, the excessive demand for granular materials, and the challenges associated with identifying novel quarry sites, numerous research inquiries have been undertaken to explore the feasibility of reutilizing waste materials and manufacturing by-products in lieu of conventional resources that are progressively diminishing. This research seeks to mitigate construction expenses while simultaneously promoting environmental preservation. The purpose of this experiment study is to examine the impact of waste marble powder used as a cement substitute on the properties of cellular concrete like drying shrinkage, sorptivity and micro-structural using optical microscope (OPM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) so that it can be reused in the production of cellular concrete. More extensive and detailed research is needed. In order to accomplish this goal, three distinct varieties of cellular concrete are produced composed on sea sand, waste marble sand and river sand, with various substitution rates of waste marble powder (WMP) (0%, 10%, 15% and 20%), and different ratios aluminum powder (0 %; 0.25%; 0.50%; 0.75% and 1%). The findings revealed that: (i) The drying shrinkage decreases with increasing WMP dosage, but it increases as a function of the aluminum content. (ii) As the dosage of WMP and the amount of aluminum increase, the sorptivity of the cellular concrete decreases. (iii) Specimens that containing WMP enhanced the cellular concrete matrix’s characteristics, as seen by Optical microscope images. (iv) The FTIR results clearly indicate a shift in peaks when WMP and aluminum powder are present, in comparison to the control mix. (v) Overall, the replacement of cement with appropriate WMP has a positive impact on both the manufacturing process of cellular concrete and the environment.