Strength Properties of Concrete with Partial Replacement of Cement by Granite Quarry Dust

Granite quarry sludge is the waste from rock processing in quarries and crusher units. The fines are at present disposed by filling in barren land causing serious environmental issues. If this material is possible to be used for partial cement replacement it is of benefit both economically and environmentally. The effect on strength properties of concrete in replacing some portion of cement by quarry sludge obtained from a local crusher unit is analyzed. The research work carried out included an experimental investigation on strength properties of concrete made with 2.5% to 20% replacement of cement by quarry dust of less than 75 micron particle size. The tests were carried out to find the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength on specimens. Results showed that up to 7.5 % replacement of cement by quarry dust there was no reduction in compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength. The experimental work was carried out with M sand confirming to zone II as fine aggregate in concrete. Test is also carried out using another fine aggregate, namely bottom ash obtained from the furnace of an industry combined with manufactured sand. The study showed that the trend is same whatever be the fine aggregate used. Keywords—quarry sludge; concrete; waste; strength.