Using of Granite Waste as Aggregates for Production of High Strength Cement-Based Artificial Stone

Abstract

Considering the large amount of waste produced worldwide by natural stone processing factories, which causes environmental pollution, the utilization of natural stone in the construction industry provides a suitable approach for preserving the environment. In this regard, the present study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of utilizing granite waste (GW) as aggregates for the production of high-strength cement-based artificial stone. The novelty of this work is the first-time utilization of GW as the sole aggregate in producing high-strength cement-based artificial stones. For this purpose, 12 concrete mixes were designed and prepared, and physical, mechanical, and microstructural tests were performed. Based on the results, three types of artificial stones with dimensions of 400 x 400 x 20 mm were produced with a Water-to-Binder ratio (W/B) of 0.3, Binder (B) of 1200 kg/m3, and 0, 0.5 and 1% polypropylene fibers. Compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption, and abrasion resistance tests were performed on artificial stones, as well as on natural stones (granite and travertine), for comparison. The results showed that the highest compressive and flexural strengths, as well as the lowest water absorption, in artificial stones were 112 MPa, 7.4 MPa, and 0.98%, respectively, which meet the requirements of ASTM C1364. The results also revealed that the abrasion, compressive, and flexural strength of artificial stones are lower than those of natural granite but higher than those of travertine. The results of the life cycle assessment further demonstrated that replacing GW in the production of artificial stone can improve environmental indexes: global warming potential by 22.8%, ozone depletion by 31.6%, and human toxicity by 11.1%.