Use of Quarry Dust to Replace Sand in Concrete - An Experimental Study

This experimental study presents the variation in the strength of concrete when replacing sand by quarry dust from 0% to 100% in steps of 10%. M20 and M25 grades of concrete were taken for study keeping a constant slump of 60mm. The compressive strength of concrete cubes at the age of 7 and 28 days were obtained at room temperature. Also the temperature effect on concrete cubes at 100 o C on 28 th day of casting was carried out to check the loss of strength. From test results it was found that the maximum compressive strength is obtained only at 50% replacement at room temperature and net strength after loss due to hike in temperature was above the recommended strength value due to 50% replacement itself. This result gives a clear picture that quarry dust can be utilized in concrete mixtures as a good substitute for natural river sand giving higher strength at 50% replacement.