USING MARBLE WASTE POWDER IN CEMENT AND

CONCRETE PRODUCTION

A Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of Addis Ababa University in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Construction
Technology and Management

By

ABRAR AWOL

ADVISOR: PROFESSOR DR.-ING.ABEBE DINKU

March 2011
 Using Marble Waste Powder in Cement and Concrete Production MSc Thesis by Abrar Awol

ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES

USING MARBLE WASTE POWDER IN CEMENT

AND CONCRETE PRODUCTION

BY

ABRAR AWOL

APPROVED BY BOARD OF EXAMINERS:

________________ ______________________ _
CHAIR PERSON

PROFESSOR ABEBE DINKU (Dr.-Ing) _______________________

ADVISOR

Dr. Mikias Abayneh_______ _____________________

EXTERNAL EXAMINER

Dr.Esayas________________ _____________________
INTERNAL EXAMINER

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 Using Marble Waste Powder in Cement and Concrete Production MSc Thesis by Abrar Awol

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First of all, I praise to the Almighty Allah for giving me endurance and patience to cope all the ups
and downs throughout the studying period.

During my study, I passed through different lessons besides the formal lessons. This was mainly
attributed to Prof.Dr.-Ing.Abebe Dinku who was my advisor for the thesis. Therefore, I sincerely
thank Prof. Dr. - Ing. Abebe Dinku for his interesting teaching methodologies, punctuality during
the whole studying period, his supports, guidance, suggestions, encouragements and valuable
comments during the research.

I also wish to express my sincere thanks to Addis Ababa University for financing half of my thesis
budget, Mugher Cement Enterprise for allowing me to do tests in its laboratory, and The Ethiopian
Marble Processing Enterprise for giving me marble waste powder free of charge for the research.

My profound gratitude goes to Ing. Gianacro Elmi, the manager of Elmi Olindo General
Contractor, where I was employed, for allowing me to spend my time on the research.

My especial thank is due to Ato Demis Abebe, a worker in The Ethiopian Marble Processing
Enterprise, for his invaluable and kind support during the research.

I am thankful to all my friends, especially Aschalew Alemnew, Dereje Adane, Yenework Tilahun
and Genanaw Engdayehu for their material and moral support.

Lastly I am thankful to all my family members in general and particularly my mother and my
father.

Abrar Awol

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

March 2011

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Using Marble Waste Powder in Cement and Concrete Production MSc Thesis by Abrar Awol

ABSTRACT

In this study, the possibility of using marble waste powder in cement and concrete production was
examined by studying the effects of blending of marble waste powder with cement on the physical
and chemical properties of cement paste and hardened mortar and by studying the effects of
blending of marble waste powder with cement and sand on the performance of fresh and hardened
concrete.

For studying the properties of marble waste powder blended cements, a total of nine marble waste
powder blended cements, with two different blain fineness of marble waste powder, were prepared
by blending the marble waste powder with cement in replacement ranges from 5% to 20% with 5%
increment by weight of cement.

In studying the performance of concretes, a total of eighteen concrete mixes were prepared with
cement and sand blended with marble waste powder in separate mixes with replacement ranges
from 5% to 20% with 5% increment by weight of cement and sand respectively. For each
replacement range, two classes of concrete, C-25 and C-50, mixes were prepared for both cement
and sand replacement cases.

Different test results together with literature review were used to analyze the effects of using
marble waste powder in cement and concrete production.

The investigation of this thesis, therefore, has revealed that compressive strengths of cement pastes
from 5% marble waste powder blended Portland cement are comparable with that of cement pastes
from 100% Ordinary Portland cement.

For 10 and 15% replacement ranges, though reduction in compressive strength is observed, blended
cements at these percents satisfy the standard compressive strength limits for high early strength of
class of 42.5 MPa as per the EN 197-1 standard.

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Using Marble Waste Powder in Cement and Concrete Production MSc Thesis by Abrar Awol

Observation on the test results also indicate that the effects of blending marble waste on the
properties of cement such as consistency, setting times, insoluble residue, and soundness remain
within the acceptable ranges of different standards.

The investigation also indicates that replacement of cement by marble waste powder at 5% range,
in concrete production, results in comparable compressive strength as of concrete specimens
without marble waste powder with slight slump reduction for both C-25 and C-50 classes.
Increment of replacement ranges beyond 5%, in concrete production, results in reduction of
compressive strength and slump.

Replacement of sand by marble waste powder from 5-20% ranges, in concrete production, results
in similar and mostly enhanced performance than the control concrete specimens; with similar
compressive strength to the control specimens, with slump improvement and water permeability
depth reduction than the control specimens in both C-25 and C-50 classes.

Key words: Marble waste powder, Blending, Performance of concrete

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I
ABSTRACT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------II
TABLE OF CONTENTS--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------IV
LIST OF TABLES---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------XI
LIST OF FIGURES------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------XIII
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS------------------------------------------------------------------------------XIV
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION-----------------------------------------------------------------------------1
1.1. General-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
1.2. Production of Marble, as Dimensional Stone, in Ethiopia--------------------------------------------2
1.3. Justification for the Thesis---------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
1.4. Objectives of the Thesis------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5
1.5. Scope of the Study------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
1.6. Methodology-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
1.7. Structure of the Research----------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW--------------------------------------------------------------------8
2.1. Introduction--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
2.2. Cement-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8
2.2.1. Portland Cement-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
2.2.1.1. Manufacturing Process of Portland Cement-----------------------------------------10
2.2.1.1.1. Raw mix preparation and blending----------------------------------------11
2.2.1.1.2. Formation ad grinding of clinker------------------------------------------12
2.2.1.2. Environmental Concerns in Cement Production------------------------------------13
2.2.1.3. Types and Standards of Cement-------------------------------------------------------13
2.2.1.3.1. American standard----------------------------------------------------------13
2.2.1.3.2. European standard-----------------------------------------------------------14
2.2.1.4. Properties of Portland Cement--------------------------------------------------------15
2.2.1.4.1. Chemical properties-------------------------------------------------------15

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2.2.1.4.1.1. Chemical composition---------------------------------------15

2.2.1.4.1.2. Loss on ignition-----------------------------------------------16
2.2.1.4.1.3. Insoluble residue----------------------------------------------17
2.2.1.4.2. Physical properties---------------------------------------------------------17
2.2.1.4.2.1. Fineness-------------------------------------------------------17
2.2.1.4.2.2. Consistency of cement paste-------------------------------18
2.2.1.4.2.3. Soundness----------------------------------------------------18
2.2.1.4.2.4. Setting time---------------------------------------------------19
2.2.1.4.2.5. Strength-------------------------------------------------------20
2.2.1.4.2.5.1. Compressive strength----------------------21
2.2.1.4.2.5.2. Tensile strength-----------------------------22
2.2.1.4.2.5.3. Flexural strength---------------------------22
2.2.1.4.2.6. Heat of hydration-------------------------------------------22
2.3. Concrete----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------23
2.3.1. Workability of Concrete -------------------------------------------------------------------------23
2.3.2. Strength of Concrete------------------------------------------------------------------------------24
2.3.3. Durability of Concrete----------------------------------------------------------------------------24
2.3.3.1. Permeability-----------------------------------------------------------------------------25
2.3.3.1.1. Water permeability----------------------------------------------------------25
2.3.3.1.1.1. Steady state water permeability-----------------------------26
2.3.3.1.1.2. Non steady state water permeability-----------------------26
2.3.4. Proportioning of Ingredient in Making Concrete---------------------------------------------27
2.4. Marble and Limestone-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------27
2.4.1. Marble and Limestone Definition---------------------------------------------------------------27
2.4.2. Geological Formation of Marble and Limestone----------------------------------------------28
2.4.3. Chemical and Physical Properties of Marble and Limestone--------------------------------29
2.4.3.1. Chemical Properties of Marble and Limestone -------------------------------------29
2.4.3.2. Physical Properties of Marble and Limestone---------------------------------------30
2.4.4. Uses of Marble and Limestone------------------------------------------------------------------31
2.4.5. Marble and Limestone Deposits in Ethiopia---------------------------------------------------31
2.4.6. Marble Processing in The Ethiopian Marble Processing Enterprise------------------------32

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2.4.6.1. Historical Background-----------------------------------------------------------------32

2.4.6.2. Marble Processing and Production---------------------------------------------------33
2.5. Micro Fine Filler in Concrete (in fine aggregate and cement) --------------------------------------33
2.5.1. General----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------33
2.5.2. Trends in Using Micro Fines in Concrete (in fine aggregate) ------------------------------34
2.5.3. Theories in Support of Using Micro Fine Filler in Concrete --------------------------------35
2.5.3.1. Packing Density---------------------------------------------------------------------------35
2.5.3.2. Incomplete Hydration of Cement in High Strength Concrete-----------------------36
2.6 .Limestone (calcium carbonate) Filler in cement and Concrete-------------------------------------37
2.6.1. General----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------37
2.6.2. Production and Reactions of Limestone Cement----------------------------------------------37
2.6.3. Effects of Limestone (Calcium Carbonate) Filler on Cement Properties------------------38
2.6.3.1. General-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------38
2.6.3.2. Consistency -------------------------------------------------------------------------------38
2.6.3.3. Soundness ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------39
2.6.3.4. Setting Time ------------------------------------------------------------------------------39
2.6.3.5. Hydration ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------40
2.6.3.6. Compressive Strength -------------------------------------------------------------------40
2.6.4. Effects of Limestone (Calcium Carbonate) on Concrete Properties------------------------41
2.6.4.1. Workability -------------------------------------------------------------------------------41
2.6.4.2. Compressive Strength -------------------------------------------------------------------42
2.6.4.3. Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength and Modulus of Elasticity --------------------43
2.6.4.4. Permeability ------------------------------------------------------------------------------43
2.7. Some Previous Studies of Using Marble Waste in Cement and Concrete-------------------------44
CHAPTER THREE
MATERIALS USED IN THE RESEARCH---------------------------------------------------46
3.1. Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------46
3.2. Materials Used in Studying the Properties of Marble Waste Powder Blended Cements-------46
3.2.1. Clinker----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------46
3.2.2. Gypsum---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------48
3.2.3. Marble Waste powder----------------------------------------------------------------------------48

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3.2.4. CEN Standard Sand-------------------------------------------------------------------------------49

3.2.5. Chemicals------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------50
3.2.6. Water-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------50
3.3. Materials Used in Studying Concrete Properties-----------------------------------------------------50
3.3.1. Cement----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------50
3.3.2. Aggregates -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------51
3.3.2.1. Silt Content of Fine Aggregate--------------------------------------------------------51
3.3.2.2. Gradation of Fine and Coarse Aggregate--------------------------------------------52
3.3.2.3. Unit Weight, Specific Gravity and Absorption Capacity of Aggregates--------54
3.3.3. Marble Waste Powder-----------------------------------------------------------------------------54
3.3.4. Water------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------55
3.3.5. Chemicals-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------55
CHAPTER FOUR
EXPERIMENT PROGRAM-------------------------------------------------------------------------56
4.1. Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------56
4.2. Experiment One-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------56
4.2.1. Preparation of Marble Waste Powder-----------------------------------------------------------56
4.2.2. Determination of the Fineness of Marble Waste Powder------------------------------------57
4.2.3. Choosing the Type and Fineness of Cement --------------------------------------------------57
4.2.4. Production of Cement-----------------------------------------------------------------------------57
4.2.5. Preparation of Blended Cements ----------------------------------------------------------------58
4.2.6. Preparation of Specimens-------------------------------------------------------------------------60
4.2.7. Curing Condition----------------------------------------------------------------------------------60
4.3. Experiment Two-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------60
4.3.1. Determination of Physical Parameters of Aggregates (fine and coarse) -------------------61
4.3.2. Mix Designing and Trial Mix Preparation-----------------------------------------------------62
4.3.3. Concrete Specimen Preparation------------------------------------------------------------------64
4.3.4. Curing-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------69

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CHAPTER FIVE
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS--------------------------------------70
5.1. Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------70
5.2. Test Results and Discussions on Experiment One----------------------------------------------------70
5.2.1. Suitability of Marble Waste Powder as Filler in Cement Production----------------------70
5.2.2. Filler Effects of the Marble Waste Powder----------------------------------------------------71
5.2.3. Consistency of Cement Pastes ------------------------------------------------------------------72
5.2.4. Setting Time ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------73
5.2.5. Soundness-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------74
5.2.6. Sulphur Trioxide (SO3) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------75
5.2.7. Loss on Ignition (LOI) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------76
5.2.8. Insoluble Residue----------------------------------------------------------------------------------77
5.2.9. Compressive and Flexural Strength of Hardened Mortars-----------------------------------77
5.2.10. Rate of Strength Development Comparison--------------------------------------------------81
5.3. Test Results and Discussions on Experiment Two----------------------------------------------------82
5.3.1. Workability-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------82
5.3.2. Compressive and Flexural strength--------------------------------------------------------------85
5.3.2.1. Compressive and Flexural Strength of Specimens Prepared by Cement Blended
with Marble Waste Powder------------------------------------------------------------85
5.3.2.2. Compressive and Flexural Strength of Specimens Prepared by Sand Blended
with Marble Waste Powder-------------------------------------------------------------90
5.3.3. Water Permeability--------------------------------------------------------------------------------93
5.3.3.1. Water Permeability on Specimens Prepared by Cement Blended with Marble
Waste Powder--------------------------------------------------------------------------94
5.3.3.2. Water Permeability on Specimens Prepared by Sand Blended with Marble
Waste Powder--------------------------------------------------------------------------95
CHAPTER SIX
ECONOMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS--------------------------------97
6.1. Introduction ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------97
6.2. For the Marble Waste Producer -------------------------------------------------------------------------97

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6.3. For the Construction Industry -------------------------------------------------------------\-------------98

6.3.1. Environmental Benefits --------------------------------------------------------------------------98
6.3.2 Economical Benefits-------------------------------------------------------------------------------98
CHAPTER SEVEN
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS-------------------------------------------99
7.1. Conclusions------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------99
7.2. Recommendations ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------101
References-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------102
APPENDIX-A
Compressive Strength of Marble Waste Blended Cements---------------------------------------------105
APPENDIX-B
Flexural Strength of Marble Waste Blended Cements---------------------------------------------------108
APPENDIX-C
Three Days Compressive Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Cement Blended With
Marble Waste Powder----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------110
APPENDIX-D
Seven Days Compressive Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Cement Blended With
Marble Waste Powder----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------112
APPENDIX-E
Twenty Eight Days Compressive Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Cement Blended
With Marble Waste Powder---------------------------------------------------------------------------------114
APPENDIX-F
Three Days Compressive Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Sand Blended With
Marble Waste Powder----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------116
APPENDIX-G
Seven Days Compressive Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Sand Blended With Marble
Waste Powder--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------118

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APPENDIX-H
Twenty Eight Days Compressive Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Sand Blended
With Marble Waste Powder---------------------------------------------------------------------------------120
APPENDIX-I
Twenty Eight Days Flexural Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Cement Blended With
Marble Waste Powder----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------122
APPENDIX J
Twenty Eight Days Flexural Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Sand Blended With
Marble Waste Powder----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------124
APPENDIX-K
Water Penetration Depth of Concrete Specimens, at Forty Days Testing Age----------------------126
APPENDIX-L
Photo Attachments--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------127

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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1: Dimensional stone producing companies in Ethiopia
Table 2.1: Portland cement types and their uses as ASTM C 150
Table 2.2: Main constituents in a typical Portland cement
Table 2.3: ASTM C 150 specified setting times by test method
Table 2.4: ASTM C 150 Portland cement mortar compressive strength specification (MPa)
Table 2.5: Typical chemical properties of marble and limestone
Table 2.6: Typical physical properties of marble and limestone
Table 3.1: Chemical composition of Mugher clinker used for the test
Table 3.2: Mineralogical composition of Mugher clinker used for the test
Table 3.3: Chemical composition of gypsum used for the test
Table 3.4: Chemical composition of marble waste powder samples
Table 3.5: Fineness of marble waste powder samples
Table 3.6: Typical chemical composition of Mossobo OPC
Table 3.7: Typical mineralogical composition of Mossobo OPC
Table 3.8: Gradation of fine aggregate used for the test
Table 3.9: Gradation of coarse aggregate used for the test
Table 3.10: Physical test results of aggregates used for the test
Table 4.1: Proportion of blending of marble waste powder, for fineness of 3571 cm2/gm, with OPC
Table 4.2: Proportion of blending of marble waste powder, for fineness of 4843 m2/gm, with OPC
Table 4.3: Proportion of materials for trial mixes
Table 4.4: Three and seven days‟ compressive strengths of trial mixes for C-25
Table 4.5: Three and seven days‟ compressive strengths of trial mixes for C-50
Table 4.6: Proportion of materials after adjustment
Table 4.7: Proportion of materials for concrete specimens of group one, C-25
Table 4.8: Proportion of materials for concrete specimens of group two, C-50
Table 4.9: Proportion of materials for concrete specimens of group three, C-25
Table 4.10: Proportion of materials for concrete specimens of group four, C-50
Table 5.1: Fineness of marble waste powder blended cements
Table 5.2: Normal consistency of marble waste powder blended cement pastes
Table 5.3: Initial and final setting time of marble waste powder blended cement pastes

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Table 5.4: Soundness of marble waste powder blended cement pastes

Table 5.5: Loss on ignition, sulphate and insoluble residue of marble waste powder blended
cements
Table 5.6: Summarized and averaged compressive and flexural strengths of test mortars for two
and twenty eight days
Table 5.7: Strength deviation of marble waste powder blended cements
Table 5.8: Rate of strength development of marble waste powder blended cements
Table 5.9: Slump of class C-25 concrete specimens prepared by cement blended with marble waste
powder
Table 5.10: Slump of class C-50 concrete specimens prepared by cement blended with marble
waste powder
Table 5.11: Slump of class C-25 concrete specimens prepared by sand blended with marble waste
powder
Table 5.12: Slump of class C-50 concrete specimens prepared by sand blended with marble waste
powder
Table 5.13: Averaged strengths of class C-25 concrete specimens prepared by cement blended
with marble waste powder
Table 5.14: Averaged strengths of class C-50 concrete specimens prepared by cement blended
with marble waste powder
Table 5.15: Averaged strengths of class C-25 concrete specimens prepared by sand blended with
marble waste powder
Table 5.16: Averaged strengths of class C-50 concrete specimens prepared by sand blended with
marble waste powder
Table 5.17: Water penetration depth of concrete specimens on 40 days age
Table 6.1: Average price of cement, sand and marble waste in Addis Ababa

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LIST OF FIGURES
Fig 3.1: Gradation of sand used for the test
Fig 3.2: Gradation of coarse aggregate used for the test
Fig 5.1: Comparison of compressive strength of blended cements with control OPC
Fig 5.2: Permeability apparatus with the test cubes assembled on it

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
ACI American Concrete Institute
ASTM American Society for Testing Materials
BS British Standard
CaCO3 Calcium Carbonate
C3S Tricalcium Silicate
C2S Dicalcium Silicate
C3A Tricalcium Aluminate
C4AF Tetra calcium Alumino Ferite
CO2 Carbon Dioxide
(CaOH)2 Calcium Hydroxide
CH Calcium Hydroxide
CaO Calcium Oxide
CSA Canadian Cement Association
CSF Condensed Silica Fume
CSH Calcium Silicate Hydrate
cm2/g Centimeter square per gram
DOE Department of Environmental of the British
DIS Draft International Standard
E.C Ethiopian Calendar
ES Ethiopian Standard
EN Euro Norm
Fig Figure
Fe2O3 Iron Oxide
GGBS Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag
gm Gram

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ICAR International Center for Aggregates Research

in Inch
I.R Insoluble Residue
ISO International Organization for Standardization
kg Kilo gram
kg/cm3 Kilogram per cubic centimeter
kJ/kg Kilo Joule per kilogram
kN Kilo Newton
LOI Loss on Ignition
m Meter
m3 Meter cube
m/s Meter per second
m2 Meter square
m2/kg Meter square per Kilogram
MPa Mega Pascal
MgO Magnesiun Oxide
mm Millimeter
N/mm2 Newton per square millimeter
OPC Ordinary Portland Cement
PPC Portland Pozzolana Cement
PC Portland Cement
PFA Pulverized Fuel Ash
PLC Portland Limestone Cement
Psi Pounds per square inch
RH Relative Humidity
SCC Self Compacting Concrete
SiO2 Silicon Dioxide

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SO3 Sulphur Trioxide

U.S. United States
s Second
UK United Kingdom
w/c Water to cement ratio
w/cm Water to cementitious material ratio
% Percent
°C Degree Centigrade
°F Degree Faraniet
µm Micrometer

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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. General

Nowadays, concrete made with Portland cement is probably the most widely used man made
material in the world. Despite this fact, concrete production is one of the concerns worldwide that
impact the environment with major impact being global warming due to CO2 emission during
production of cement. It is estimated that cement production is responsible for about 3% of the
global anthrogenic greenhouse gas emission and for 5% of the global anthrogenic CO2 emission
[39].

As about 50% of the CO2 released during cement production is related to the decomposition of
limestone during burning, mixing of clinker with supplementary materials called blending is
considered as a very effective way to reduce CO2 emission [39].

Most common blending materials used in cement production added in plant or sites are industrial
wastes. This is due to the fact that recycling of industrial wastes as blending materials has
technical, economical and environmental benefits besides the reduction of CO2 emission from
cement production.

The technical importance of using wastes and by-products in concrete production is expressed by
performance improvement of concrete. The economical benefit usually attributes to the reduction
of the amount of expensive and or scarce ingredients with cheap materials. Environmentally, when
industrial wastes are recycled not only the CO2 emissions are reduced but residual products from
other industries are reused and therefore less material is dumped as landfill and more natural
resources are saved [5].

Fly ash, blast furnace slag and silica fume are most widely used industrial wastes in place of
cement for concrete production attributed to their reactivity nature called pozzolanic behavior.

In addition to pozzolanas, other inert by-products and waste materials have been used in concrete
and mortar production as inert filler for similar reasons. Among these, marble waste powder which

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is a by-product of marble processing factory was studied by many researchers for its use in
concrete and mortar production as sand replacing or cement replacing material. Most of the
researches showed positive results and benefits. However as the by-product i.e. the powder differs
chemically depending on the parent marble rocks which depends on the locality, degree of
metamorphism and other factors; and also as the physical characteristics of the by-product depends
on the polishing work, it is necessary to conduct similar research in our country to incorporate it in
concrete and cement production for reduction of environmental pollution and sustainable use of
natural resources.

As marble is the derivative of limestone with similar constitution with that of limestone, and as in
marble industry both limestone and marble which can take polish are considered as marble and
worked together in the factory, in this literature review, formation and properties of both limestone
and marble are presented. In addition, as calcium carbonate filler originated from marble or
limestone is commonly named as limestone filler, previous studies of limestone filler in cement and
concrete is presented for developing theories and concepts.

1.2. Production of Marble, as Dimensional Stone, in Ethiopia

The term “dimensional stone” is defined by United States Bureau of Mines as naturally occurring
rock material cut, shaped or selected for use in blocks, slabs, sheets or other construction units of
specified shapes or sizes and used for external or interior parts of buildings, foundations, curbing,
paving, flogging, bridges, revetments or other architectural or engineering purposes. The term is
also applied to quarry blocks from which pieces of fixed dimensions may be cut [6].

Marble, granite, limestone, and sandstone provide the bulk of dimensional stone; although slate,
diorite, basalt and diabase are included. The classification of dimensional stone is not strictly
adhered to sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic grouping of geology, as the stone trade name
under “granite” refers to all true granite and gabbro, norite, and syenite. Likewise all crystalline
limestone, travertine, sandstone and serpentine that are capable of taking a polish are grouped
under marble in addition to the true marble [6].

The commercial definition of marble refers to all crystalline rocks predominantly composed of
calcite, dolomite, or serpentine. The root word for marble-mar more- was used by the Italians in

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ancient Rome, referring to all hard rocks capable of taking a polish including granite. However,
marble in the geologic usage is a metamorphosed limestone or dolostone, which obliterated its
original texture due to intensive re-crystallization [6].

The marble deposits of Ethiopia have been known and exploited for many years. However, this
segment of the stone industry did not start to develop more strongly until the early 1990‟s.At
present; there are several dimensional stone producing companies in Ethiopia. The largest is
National Mining Company working several quarries of limestone (Harar), marble (Wellega) and
granite (Harar and Wellega).A modern processing plant is located in Awash. The Ethiopian Marble
Processing Industries produce marble from Gojam region and limestone from Harar. The company
has three marble processing plants. Saba Stone Company, in the north, produces marble, granite
and limestone from Tigray region [7].

Several companies are presently joining the industry including the Berta Company and Tis Abay
International.

Table 1.1: Dimensional stone producing companies in Ethiopia

Estimated annual
Type of stone
S.No Name of company production
processed
(m2)
Ethiopian Marble Processing
Marble and limestone
1 Enterprise 150,000.00

2 Saba Stone Company 180,000.00 Marble, limestone and granite

Marble, limestone and granite

3 National Mining Corporation 250,000.00

Marble and limestone

4 Berta Marble 25,000.00
granite

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1.3. Justification for the Thesis

There are two types of by-products of marble processing. During marble processing, 30% of the
stone (in case of unprocessed stone) goes to scrap because of being smaller size and/or irregular
shape. This is then sold to chip manufacturers. In case of semi-processed slab, the scrap level
reduces to 2-5%. The other waste material is slurry. It is basically the water containing marble
powder. The water is reused till it gets thick enough (70% water and 30% marble powder) to be
reused. It can be safely estimated that 1 ton of marble stone processed in gang-saw or a
vertical/horizontal cutter produces almost 1 ton of slurry (70% water) [8].

In Ethiopia 6662, 7200, 7900, 8100 and 8100 metric tons of marble commodities were produced in
the year 2000,2001,2002,2003 and 2004 respectively [3] which implies that 30% of this mineral
was lost as waste. Currently the amount of loss as waste is increasing as more other companies
joined the industry than before.

In addition to loss, disposal of this waste material will cause the following environmental problems:

a) If the waste is disposed on soils, the porosity and permeability of topsoil will be reduced, the
fine marble dust reduces the fertility of the soil by increasing its alkalinity [2].
b) When the waste is dumped and dried out, the fine marble dust suspends in the air and slowly
spread out through wind to the nearby area [2].
c) When dumped along a catchment area of natural rainwater, it results in contamination of over
ground water reservoir and also cause drainage problem [2].

Currently there are more than four marble processing plants in Ethiopia located in different towns.
The Ethiopian Marble Processing Enterprise and Berta Marble are located in Adiss Ababa. The
Ethiopian Marble Processing Enterprise has three branches located at Gulele, Nefasilk and Bole
sub city.

The Gulele branch is located in a catchment of a river. It discharges the marble waste to the river.
The Bole branch is also located in a catchment of a river and discharges the waste to the river. The
Nifasilk branch deposits the waste inside its compound and used to sell this waste for outsiders as

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means of disposal in addition to income generation. Berta Marble is also located in a catchment of
a river and discharges its by-product there.

On the other side, in Ethiopia the cost of cement and cement based construction materials are
getting higher from time to time and there is gap between demand and supply of cement throughout
the country. This rise of cost and demand of cement is mainly due to limited production capacity
and limited type of cement produced in the country .For instance Ordinary Portland cement and
Portland Pozzolana cement types are the only product produced by cement factories and found on
the market for all types of work which is expensive and uneconomical [9]. Trials to solve cement
shortage only by increasing cement factories have another negative environmental impact due to
the emission of CO2 from the factories.

Therefore, this is to study the use of marble waste powder in construction industry to address
environmental problem due to the waste and to seek alternative cement and sand based material and
for efficient use of natural resources.

1.4. Objectives of the Thesis

The main objectives of this study are three.

1. To study the influence of percentage replacement of cement by marble waste powder on the
physical and chemical properties of Portland cement paste and hardened mortar.
2. To study the effects of percentage replacement of cement by marble waste powder on different
properties of concrete.
3. To study the effects of percentage replacement of sand by marble waste powder on different
properties of concrete.

Furthermore, as part of the research objectives, the thesis will draw conclusions and forward
recommendations based on the research finding and indicate areas for further study.

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1.5. Scope of the Study

The research will cover studying physical and chemical properties of marble waste powder
blended Portland cement and studying compressive strength, flexural strength and water
permeability of concrete produced by marble waste powder blended cement, and marble waste
blended sand.

Throughout the investigation, the research is limited to marble waste powder from the three
factories of The Ethiopian Marble Processing Enterprise which process limestone and marble.

1.6. Methodology

In order to achieve the objectives of the research and for the development of concepts, which are
fundamental for the formation of the whole research work, a comprehensive literature review is
made to understand the previous efforts which include the review of text books, periodicals and
academic journals, seminars and research papers.

The method followed to achieve the objectives of the research determines the required data, which
intern is a ground to decide on type and method of data collection and their analysis. Different
alternative data collection methods such as experiments, observations and archival records are
examined and used when proved suitable.

Both primary data (collected personally) from the source itself and secondary data from different
sources is collected and used for the analysis.

The test results were presented in tabular and graphical forms and the analysis and discussions
were also made on the research findings both qualitatively and quantitatively. Finally based on the
findings, conclusions and recommendations were forwarded.

1.7. Structure of the Research

The thesis has six chapters that discuss various aspects of cement and concrete related with
relevance of the thesis. Chapter one explains the background and the objectives of the research.
Chapter two is literature review which provides a general understanding of previous studies and

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theories related to the research .Chapter three discusses the properties of materials used in the
investigation. Chapter four deals with the experimental program that was used in the research.
Chapter five is about the analysis and discussion of the results obtained from the study. The last
chapter draws conclusions from the research and provides recommendations. Other data are
presented in the Appendices.

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CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Introduction

During the past years, concrete and cement technology have attained a lot of achievements .One of

the achievements is the incorporation of industrial wastes as filler or additive in cement and

concrete production with technical, economical and environmental advantages.

Such waste materials was found to have either reactive or filler effect in cement and concrete
production. Reactive materials are named pozzolanas and have been used widely worldwide where
available. The use of inert fillers is also a common practice in European countries, especially in
France [40].The addition of inactive materials or fillers, principally limestone, is increasingly
accepted in European countries [41].

Since the European Standard for Common cement first published in 1992 as pre-standard ENV
197-1, there has been an increasing trend in the use of limestone as mineral additive in cement not
only in the European countries but also in other parts of the world [41].Inert fillers have been also
used as aggregate fillers in concrete production to improve particle packing density thereby
properties of concrete. These days, the increasing trend towards the use of filler types and amount
has led to worldwide research and development in the area.

2.2. Cement

Cement is a hydraulic binder and is defined as a finely ground inorganic material which, when

mixed with water, forms a paste which sets and hardens by means of hydration reactions and

processes which, after hardening, retains its strength and stability even under water[15].

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The history of making cementing material is as old as the history of engineering construction. Some
kind of cementing materials were used by Egyptians, Romans and Indians in their ancient
constructions [10]. The early Greeks and Romans used cementing materials obtained by burning
limestone. The remarkable hardness of the mortar used in early Roman brickworks, some of which
still exist, presents sufficient evidence of the perfection which the art of cementing material had
attained in ancient times [10].

The Greek and Romans had known the fact that certain volcanic ash and tuff, when mixed with
lime and sand yielded mortar possessing superior strength and better durability in fresh or salt
water. Roman builders used volcanic tuff found near Pozzuoli village near Mount Vesuvius in
Italy. This volcanic tuff or ash mostly siliceous in nature thus acquired the name Pozzolana. Later
on, the name Pozzolana was applied to any other material, natural or artificial, having nearly the
same composition as that of volcanic tuff or ash found at Pozzuoli. The Romans, in the absence of
natural volcanic ash, used powered tiles or pottery as pozzolana [10].

When we come to more recent times, the most important advance in the knowledge of cements, the
forerunner to the discoveries and manufacture of all modern cements is undoubtedly the
investigations carried out by John Smeaton. When he was called upon to rebuild the Eddy Stone
Light House in 1756,he made extensive enquiries into the state of art existing in those days and
also conducted experiments with a view to find out the best material to withstand the sever action
of sea water. Finally, he concluded that limestone which contained considerable proportion of
clayey material yielded better lime possessing superior hydraulic properties. In spite of the success
of Smeaton‟s experiments, the use of hydraulic lime made little progress, and the old practice of
mixture of lime and pozzolana remained popular for a long period. In 1976 hydraulic cement was
made by calcining nodules of argillaceous limestone. In about 1800 the product thus obtained was
called Roman cement. This type of cement was in use till about 1850 after which this was outdated
by Portland cement [10].

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2.2.1. Portland Cement

Portland cement was developed from natural cements made in Britain in the early part of the
nineteenth century, and its name is derived from its similarity to Portland stone, a type of building
stone that was quarried on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England [11].

It is the chief ingredient in cement paste and the binding agent in Portland cement concrete. It is a
hydraulic cement that, when combined with water, hardens into a solid mass. Interspersed in an
aggregate matrix it forms Portland cement concrete. As a material, Portland cement has been used
for well over 175 years and, from an empirical perspective, its behavior is well understood. The
patent for Portland cement was obtained in 1824 by Joseph Aspdin. Chemically, however, Portland
cement is a complex substance whose mechanisms and interactions have yet to be fully defined
[37]. The Portland Cement Association provides the following precise definitions:

Hydraulic cement: Hydraulic binder, i.e. a finely ground inorganic material, which, when mixed
with water, forms a paste which sets and hardens by means of hydration reactions and processes
and which, after hardening, retains its strength and stability even under water.

Portland cement: Hydraulic cement composed primarily of hydraulic calcium silicates [37].

As the use of Portland cement was increased for making concrete, engineers called for consistently
higher standard material for use in major works. Association of Engineers, Consumers and Cement
manufacturers has been established to specify standards of cement. The German standard
specification for Portland cement was drawn in 1877.The British standard specification was first
drawn up in 1904.The ASTM specification was issued in 1904 [10].

2.2.1.1. Manufacturing Process of Portland Cement

Portland cement is produced by grinding cement clinker in association with gypsum to specified
fineness depending on the requirements of the cement consumers. Cement clinker is produced on
large scale by heating finely ground raw materials (Calcareous and Argillaceous materials) at very
high temperature up to 1450 oC in rotary kilns [37].

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Raw mixture preparation and raw mix blending, formation and grinding of clinker are the
fundamental stages in the production of Portland cement [11].

2.2.1.1.1. Raw mix preparation and blending

The raw materials for Portland cement production are a mixture (as fine powder in the 'dry process'
or in the form of a slurry in the 'wet process') of minerals containing calcium oxide, silicon oxide,
aluminum oxide, ferric oxide and magnesium oxide. The raw materials are usually quarried from
local rock, which in some places has already practically the desired composition and in other places
requires the addition of clay and limestone, as well as iron ore, bauxite or recycled materials. The
individual raw materials are first crushed, typically to below 50 mm. In many plants, some or all of
the raw materials are then roughly blended in a "pre-homogenization pile". The raw materials are
next ground together in a raw mill. Silos of individual raw materials are arranged over the feed
conveyor belt. Accurately controlled proportions of each material are delivered onto the belt by
weigh feeders. Passing into the raw mill, the mixture is ground to raw mix. The fineness of raw mix
is specified in terms of the size of the largest particles, and is usually controlled so that there are
less than 5%-15% by mass of particles exceeding 90 μm in diameter. It is important that the raw
mix contains no large particles in order to complete the chemical reactions in the kiln, and to ensure
the mix is chemically homogenous. In the case of a dry process, the raw mill also dries the raw
materials, usually by passing hot exhaust gases from the kiln through the mill, so that the raw mix
emerges as a fine powder. This is conveyed to the blending system by conveyor belt or by a powder
pump. In the case of wet process, water is added to the raw mill feed, and the mill product is slurry
with moisture content of 25-45% by mass. This slurry is conveyed to the blending system by
conventional liquid pumps [11].

The raw mix is formulated to a very tight chemical specification. Typically, the content of
individual components in the raw mix must be controlled within 0.1% or better. Calcium and
silicon are present in order to form the strength producing calcium silicates. Aluminum and iron are
used in order to produce liquid ("flux") in the kiln burning zone. The liquid acts as a solvent for the
silicate forming reactions, and allows these to occur at an economically low temperature.
Insufficient aluminum and iron lead to difficult burning of the clinker, while excessive amounts
lead to low strength due to dilution of the silicates by aluminates and ferrites. Very small changes

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in calcium content lead to large changes in the ratio of alite to belite in the clinker, and to
corresponding changes in the cement's strength growth characteristics. The relative amounts of
each oxide are therefore kept constant in order to maintain steady conditions in the kiln, and to
maintain constant product properties. In practice, the raw mix is controlled by frequent chemical
analysis (hourly by X-Ray fluorescence analysis, or every three minutes by prompt gamma neutron
activation analysis). The analysis data is used to make automatic adjustments to raw material feed
rates. Remaining chemical variation is minimized by passing the raw mix through a blending
system that homogenizes up to a day's supply of raw mix [11].

2.2.1.1.2. Formation and grinding of clinker

The raw mixture is heated in a cement kiln, with temperatures increasing over the length of the
cylinder up to a peak temperature of 1400-1450 °C. A complex succession of chemical reactions
take place as the temperature rises. The peak temperature is regulated so that the product contains
sintered but not fused lumps. Sintering consists of the melting of 25-30% of the mass of the
material. The resulting liquid draws the remaining solid particles together by surface tension, and
acts as a solvent for the final chemical reaction in which alite is formed. Too low a temperature
causes insufficient sintering and incomplete reaction, but too high a temperature results in a molten
mass or glass, destruction of the kiln lining, and waste of fuel. When all goes to plan, the resulting
material is clinker. On cooling, it is conveyed to storage. Some effort is usually made to blend the
clinker, because although the chemistry of the raw mix may have been tightly controlled, the kiln
process potentially introduces new sources of chemical variability. The clinker can be stored for a
number of years before use. Prolonged exposure to water decreases the reactivity of cement
produced from weathered clinker [11].

In order to achieve the desired setting qualities in the finished product, a quantity (2-8%, but
typically 5%) of calcium sulfate (usually gypsum or anhydrite) is added to the clinker and the
mixture is finely ground to form the finished cement powder. This is achieved in a cement mill.
The grinding process is controlled to obtain a powder with a broad particle size range, in which
typically 15% by mass consists of particles below 5 μm diameter, and 5% of particles above 45 μm.
The measure of fineness usually used is the "specific surface", which is the total particle surface
area of a unit mass of cement. The rate of initial reaction (up to 24 hours) of the cement on addition

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of water is directly proportional to the specific surface. Typical values are 320–380 m2/kg for
general purpose cements, and 450–650 m2/kg for "rapid hardening" cements [11].

2.2.1.2. Environmental Concerns in Cement Production

Many of the aspects of cement making process are potentially environmentally damaging, although
these risks can be minimized [12]. Cement manufacturing is an energy intensive process [12]. The
enthalpy of formation of clinker from calcium carbonate and clay minerals is about 1500 to 1700
kJ/kg. However, because of heat loss during production, actual values can be much higher. The
high energy requirements and the release of significant amounts of carbon dioxide make cement
production a concern for global warming [11].

Carbon dioxide is produced during the calcination phase of the manufacturing process and also as a
result of burning fossil fuels. Opportunity to reduce emissions through increased energy efficiency
is only possible on the latter of the CO2 emissions [12].Approximately 1 ton CO2 is generated for
making 1 ton of clinker [11].

2.2.1.3. Types and Standards of Cement

There are different standards for classification of Portland cement. The two major standards are the
ASTM C150 standard, used primarily in the U.S., and European EN-197 standard [11].

2.2.1.3.1. American standard

Eight types of cement are covered in ASTM C 150 standard. These types and brief descriptions of
their uses are listed in Table 2.1 below [37].

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Table 2.1: Portland cement types and their uses as ASTM C 150 [37]

Cement type Use

I General purpose cement, when there are no extenuating conditions

II Aids in providing moderate resistance to sulfate attack

III
When high-early strength is required

IV
When a low heat of hydration is desired

V
When high sulfate resistance is required

IA
A type I cement containing an integral air-entraining agent

IIA
A type II cement containing an integral air-entraining agent

IIIA
A type III cement containing an integral air-entraining agent

2.2.1.3.2. European standard

EN 197-1 defines 5 classes of common cement that comprise Portland cement as a main
constituent. These classes differ from the ASTM classes [11].

I. Portland cement: comprising Portland cement and up to 5% of minor additional constituents

II. Portland composite cement: Portland cement and up to 35% of other single constituents

III. Blast furnace cement: Portland cement and higher percentages of blast furnace slag

IV. Pozzolanic cement: Portland cement and up to 55% of pozzolanic constituents

V. Composite cement: Portland cement, blast furnace slag and pozzolana or fly ash

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Constituents that are permitted in Portland composite cements are blast furnace slag, silica fume,
natural and industrial pozzolans, siliceous and calcareous fly ash, burnt shale and limestone [11].

2.2.1.4. Properties of Portland Cement

2.2.1.4.1. Chemical properties

It is a Portland cement's chemical properties that determine most of its physical properties and how
it cures. Therefore, a basic understanding of Portland cement chemistry can help one understand
how and why it behaves as it does [15].

2.2.1.4.1.1. Chemical composition

The composition of Portland cement distinguishes one type of cement from another. The phase
compositions in Portland cement are denoted as tricalcium silicate (C3S), dicalcium silicate (C2S),
tricalcium aluminate (C3A), and tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C4AF). The actual components are
often complex chemical crystalline and amorphous structures, denoted by cement chemists as
"alite" (C3S), "belite" (C2S), and various forms of aluminates. The behavior of each type of cement
depends on the content of these components [13].

Table 2.2: Main constituents in a typical Portland cement [11]

Chemical Percent by
Chemical Name Shorthand Notation
Formula Weight

Tricalcium Silicate 3CaOSiO2 C3 S 50

Dicalcium Silicate 2CaOSiO2 C2 S 25

Tricalcium Aluminate 3CaOAl2O3 C3 A 12

Tetracalcium Aluminoferrite 4CaOAl2O3Fe2O3 C4AF 8

Gypsum CaSO4H2O CSH2 3.5

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Tricalcium silicate (C3S) hydrates and hardens rapidly and is largely responsible for initial set and
early strength. Portland cements with higher percentages of C3S will exhibit higher early strength
[11].

Dicalcium silicate (C2S) hydrates and hardens slowly and is largely responsible for strength
increases beyond one week [11].

Tricalcium aluminate (C3A) hydrates and hardens the quickest. It liberates a large amount of heat
almost immediately and contributes somewhat to early strength. Gypsum is added to Portland
cement to retard C3A hydration. Without gypsum, C3A hydration would cause Portland cement to
set almost immediately after adding water [11].

Tetracalcium aluminoferrite (C4AF) hydrates rapidly but contributes very little to strength. Its
presence allows lower kiln temperatures in Portland cement manufacturing. Most Portland cement
color effects are due to C4AF [11].

2.2.1.4.1.2. Loss on ignition

Loss on ignition is calculated by heating up a cement sample to 900 – 1000 oC (1650 - 1830°F)
until a constant weight is obtained. The weight loss of the sample due to heating is then
determined. A high loss on ignition can indicate pre-hydration and carbonation, which may be
caused by improper and prolonged storage or adulteration during transport or transfer [15].

Maximum loss on ignition permitted by BS 12:1991 and ASTM C150-94 is 3% and 4%

respectively. But with cement containing a calcareous filler, 5% of the mass of the cement nucleus
is allowed by EN 197-1992[29].The standard loss on ignition test is contained in EN 196-2
No.7:1994 Standard Test Methods for Determination of Loss on Ignition [29] in European standard
and AASHTO T 105 and ASTM C 114: Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic Cement [11] in American
standard

According to the Ethiopian standard the loss in mass on ignition shall not exceed 4% for Portland
cement [14].

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2.2.1.4.1.3. Insoluble residue

Insoluble residue which is determined by treating cement with hydrochloric acid is a measure of
adulteration of cement, largely arising from impurities in gypsum. BS 12 1991 limits the insoluble
residue to 1.5% content of a filler, the standard insoluble residue test is contained in EN 196-2
no,9;1994 standard test methods for determination of insoluble residue and EN 196-2 no 10 1994
standard test methods for determination of insoluble residue [9].

2.2.1.4.2. Physical properties

Portland cements are commonly characterized by their physical properties for quality controlling
purposes. Their physical properties can be used to classify and compare Portland cements [11].

EN and ASTM standards have specified certain physical requirements for each type of cement
[15].These properties include:

2.2.1.4.2.1. Fineness

Fineness is defined depending upon the method of measurement. It may be defined as sieve
diameter, the width of the minimum square aperture through which particle pass, or surface
diameter, diameter of sphere having the same surface as the surface of particle [15]. It is a general
practice to describe the fineness of cement by a single parameter, the specific surface area
[14].Fineness of Portland cement has great effects on hydration rate and thus the setting time, and
the rate of strength gain. As an example, the smaller is the particle size, the greater the surface area-
to-volume ratio. This causes more area available for water-cement interaction. The finer particles
mainly affect the early strength of the cement (2 days) while the larger particles dominate the
strength after this time. The effects of greater fineness on strength are generally seen during the
first seven or twenty eight days [15].

There are, however, several disadvantages associated with high fineness. In fine cement, more
gypsum is required for proper retardation because increased fineness makes more tricalcium
aluminate available for early hydration. Grinding clinker to a high fineness requires more energy,
increasing the production cost, and a higher early rate of hydration causes a higher early rate of

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heat liberation. If not properly dissipated, this heat may cause cracking especially in mass concrete
construction. The reaction of fine cement with alkali-reactive aggregate is stronger [15].

Fineness, which has considerable effects on cement strength and hydration rate, is accepted as a
vital parameter by European and American Standards [15].

The Wagner Turbid meter and the Blaine air permeability test for measuring cement fineness is
required by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM).Another test to determine the
fineness is Sieve Analysis. The fineness of cement is measured by sieving it on standard sieves
[15].

According to European standard there are two methods to measure cement fineness as designated
on EN 196-6,no.3,1989: Standard Test Method for Fineness of Portland Cement by the sieving
method and EN 196-6,No.4,1989: Standard Test Method for Fineness of Portland Cement by air
permeability method or blain method [9].

Blaine fineness of modern cement ranges from 3,000 to 5,000 cm2/g (300 to 500 m2/kg) [13].
According to the Ethiopian standard, Ordinary Portland Cement shall have a specific surface area
of not less than 2250 cm2/g [14].

2.2.1.4.2.2. Consistency of cement paste

For determination of the initial and final setting times and for the Le-Chatelier soundness test, neat
cement paste of standard consistency has to be used. It is, therefore, necessary to determine for any
given cement the water content of the paste which will produce the desired consistency.
Consistency is measured by Vicat apparatus; the content of a standard paste is expressed as a
percentage by mass of the dry cement. The European standard for consistency test is indicated on
EN 196-3, No.5, 1994 [9].The usual range of water-cement ratio for normal consistency is between
26% and 33% [14].

2.2.1.4.2.3. Soundness

When referring to Portland cement, "soundness" refers to the ability of a hardened cement paste to
retain its volume after setting without delayed destructive expansion. This destructive expansion is

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caused by excessive amounts of free lime (CaO) or magnesia (MgO). Most Portland cement
specifications limit magnesia content and expansion. The typical expansion test places a small
sample of cement paste into an autoclave (a high pressure steam vessel). The autoclave is slowly
brought to 2.03 MPa (295 psi) and then kept at that pressure for 3 hours. The autoclave is then
slowly brought back to room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The change in specimen
length due to its time in the autoclave is measured and reported as a percentage. ASTM C 150,
Standard Specification for Portland cement specifies a maximum autoclave expansion of 0.80
percent for all Portland cement types [15].

The standard autoclave expansion tests are:

AASHTO T 107 and ASTM C 151: Autoclave Expansion of Portland cement [11] in American
standard and EN 196-3, No.7 1994: Standard Test Method for Soundness Test of Portland Cement
[9] in European standard.

According to the Ethiopian standard, the expansion of Portland cement shall not exceed 10mm.If
this is not satisfied, an additional test shall be made using aerated portion of the same sample. The
maximum expansion of such aerated sub sample shall not exceed 5mm [14].

2.2.1.4.2.4. Setting time

The stiffening of a cement paste is called setting. The time starting from the mixing of cement and
water until the cement paste sets is called the setting time [9].Cement paste setting time is affected
by a number of items including: cement fineness, water-cement ratio, chemical content (especially
gypsum content) and admixtures. Setting tests are used to characterize how a particular cement
paste sets. For construction purposes, the initial set must not be too soon and the final set must not
be too late. Additionally, setting times can give some indication of whether or not a cement is
undergoing normal hydration [11].Normally, two setting times are defined:

Initial set occurs when the paste begins to stiffen considerably; final set occurs when the cement
has hardened to the point at which it can sustain some load.

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These particular times are just arbitrary points used to characterize cement; they do not have any
fundamental chemical significance. Both common setting time tests, the Vicat needle and the
Gillmore needle, define initial set and final set based on the time at which a needle of particular
size and weight either penetrates a cement paste sample to a given depth or fails to penetrate a
cement paste sample. The Vicat needle test is more common and tends to give shorter times than
the Gillmore needle test. Table 2.2 shows ASTM C 150 specified setting times [11].

Table 2.3: ASTM C 150 specified setting times by test method [11]
Time specification
Test method Setting type
(minutes)
Initial 45
Vicat
Final 375
Initial 60
Gillmore
Final 600

The standard setting time tests are:

AASHTO T 131 and ASTM C 191: Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle,
AASHTO T 154: Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Gillmore Needles, ASTM C 266: Time
of Setting of Hydraulic-Cement Paste by Gillmore Needles [11] in American standard and EN 196-
3.No.6.2, 1994: Standard Test Method for Determination of Initial Setting Time of Cement by
Vicat Needle and EN 196-3, No 6.3, 1994: Standard Test Method for Determination of Final
Setting Time of Cement by Vicat Neddle [9] in European standard.

Ethiopian standard recommends that the initial setting time for cement not to be less than 45
minutes and the final setting time not to exceed 10 hours [14].

2.2.1.4.2.5. Strength

Cement paste strength is typically defined in three ways: compressive, tensile and flexural. These
strengths can be affected by a number of items including: water-cement ratio, cement-fine
aggregate ratio, type and grading of fine aggregate, manner of mixing and molding specimens,
curing conditions, size and shape of specimen, moisture content at time of test, loading conditions

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and age [15]. Since cement gains strength over time, the time at which strength test is to be
conducted must be specified. Typically times are 1 day (for high early strength cement), 3 days, 7
days, 28 days and 90 days (for low heat of hydration cement) [11].

2.2.1.4.2.5.1. Compressive strength

The most common strength test, compressive strength, is carried out on a 50 mm (2-inch) cement
mortar test specimen [11] in American standard. The test specimen is subjected to a compressive
load (usually from a hydraulic machine) until failure. Table 2.3 shows ASTM C 150 compressive
strength specifications [11].

Table 2.4: ASTM C 150 Portland cement mortar compressive strength specification (MPa) [11]
Curing Time Portland cement type
I IA II IIA III IIIA IV V
(days)
1 12.4 10.0
3 12.4 10.0 10.3 8.3 24.1 19.3 8.3
7 19.3 15.5 17.2 13.8 6.9 15.2
28 17.2 20.7

Note: type II and IIA requirements can be lowered if either an optional heat of hydration or
chemical limit on the sum of C3S and C3A is specified

According to European standard, the test is carried out on prismatic test specimen which is
40mmx40mmx160mm cement mortar that is subjected to a compressive load until failure.

The standard cement mortar compressive strength test is described in EN 196-1, No 4.8,1994:
Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cement Mortars [9] in European standard and
AASHTO T 106 and ASTM C 109: Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using
50-mm or 2-in Cube Specimens) [11] and ASTM C 349: Compressive Strength of Hydraulic
Cement Mortars (Using Portions of Prisms Broken in Flexure) [11] in American standard.

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2.2.1.4.2.5.2. Tensile strength

Although still specified by ASTM, the direct tension test does not provide any useful insight into
the concrete-making properties of cements. It persists as a specified test because in the early years
of cement manufacturing, it was the most common test since it was difficult to find machines that
could compress a cement sample to failure [11].

2.2.1.4.2.5.3. Flexural strength

Flexural strength (actually a measure of tensile strength in bending) is carried out on cement mortar
beam that is loaded at its center point until failure [11].

The standard cement mortar flexural strength test is described in: ASTM C 348: Flexural Strength
of Hydraulic Cement Mortars [11] in American standard and EN 196-1, No4.7: Standard Test
Method for Flexural Strength of Cement Mortars [9] in European standard.

2.2.1.4.2.6. Heat of hydration

The heat of hydration is the heat generated when water and Portland cement react. Hydration
begins at the surface of the cement particles. Therefore, the total surface area of cement represents
the material available for hydration. That is, the early rate of hydration depends on the fineness of
the cement particles. However, at later stages, the effect of surface area diminishes and,
consequently, fineness exercise no influence on the total heat of hydration. Heat of hydration is also
influenced by the proportion of C3S and C3A in the cement, water-cement ratio, fineness and curing
temperature. As each one of these factors is increased, heat of hydration increases. In large mass
concrete structures such as gravity dams, hydration heat is produced significantly faster than it can
be dissipated (especially in the centre of large concrete masses), which can create high
temperatures in the centre of these large concrete masses that, in turn, may cause undesirable
stresses as the concrete cools to ambient temperature. Conversely, the heat of hydration can help
maintain favorable curing temperatures during winter [15].

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2.3. Concrete
Concrete is a composite material which is made up of a filler and a binder. The binder (cement
paste) glues the filler together to form a synthetic conglomerate. The constituents used for the
binder are cement and water, while the filler can be fine or coarse aggregate [16].

The properties of concrete, workability, strength and durability, make it to be the most versatile and
widely used manmade construction materials. The users of concrete usually need it to have such
important properties in economical way.

The incorporation of different materials, like industrial wastes, in concrete production has been
found to play role in achieving the required properties of concrete.

2.3.1. Workability of Concrete

ASTM C 125 defines workability as the property determining the effort required to manipulate a
freshly mixed quantity of concrete with minimum loss of homogeneity. The term “manipulate”
includes the early age operations of placing, compacting and finishing [33].

A workable concrete allows full compaction using a reasonable amount of work. This helps in
achieving maximum possible density (i.e. minimum possible voids) of concrete, which results in
more strength and durability of concrete [33].

Three factors in concrete are involved in determining the consistency of concrete: water cement
ratio, aggregate cement ratio and water content. Only two of the three factors are independent. If
the aggregate cement ratio is reduced, the water content must increase for the w/c ratio to remain
constant. The water required to maintain a constant consistency will increase as the w/c ratio is
increased or decreased. The increase in fine aggregate to coarse aggregate ratio generally increases
the water content required to produce a given workability. If finer aggregate is substituted in a
mixture, the water content typically must be increased to maintain the same workability
[32].Lowering the cement content of concrete with a given water content typically will lower
workability. An increase in cement fineness decreases workability and produces excessive
bleeding; a high fineness will cause a concrete mixture to lose workability more rapidly because of
its rapid hydration.

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Cement replacing materials also affect workability. For example freshly mixed concrete are
generally more workable when a portion of the cementious material is fly ash, in part because of
the spherical shape of fly ash particles; but highly reactive or pozzolanas can cause loss of
workability through early hydration[32].

2.3.2. Strength of Concrete

Generally a concrete is required to provide a specified strength. The most common measure of
concrete strength is the compressive strength, determined in either a cube test or a cylinder test
[34].

The strength of concrete is very much dependent upon the hydration reaction .Water plays a critical
role, particularly the amount used.The strength of concrete increases when less water is used to
make concrete. The hydration reaction itself consumes a specific amount of water. Concrete is
actually mixed with more water than is needed for the hydration reactions. This extra water is
added to give concrete sufficient workability. The water not consumed in the hydration reaction
will remain in the microstructure pore space. These pores make the concrete weaker due to the lack
of strength-forming calcium silicate hydrate bonds. Some pores will remain no matter how well the
concrete has been compacted [16].

Cement replacing materials can play roles in improving concrete strength by improving
microstructure space of concrete.

2.3.3. Durability of Concrete

Durability is the property of concrete by virtue of which it is capable of resisting its disintegration
and decay which may be caused due to: use of unsound cement, use of less durable aggregate, entry
of harmful gases and salts through the pores and voids present in the concrete, freezing and thawing
of water sucked through the cracks or crevices by capillary action, expansion and contraction
resulting from temperature changes and alternate drying and wetting [38].

The durability of concrete depends mostly upon conditions of exposure, grade of concrete used,
quality of its materials and the extent of voids and pores present in the concrete mass. The amount

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of cover provided over reinforcement and the degree of imperviousness of concrete mix also
influence the durability of concrete [38].

The durability of concrete is a function of permeability [40].Hence concrete can be made durable
by using good quality of materials by reducing the extent of voids by suitable grading and
proportioning the materials, using adequate quantity of cement and low water cement ratio thereby
ensuring permeability [38].Cement replacing materials can play role in reducing the extent of voids
in concrete which in turn improves permeability of concrete.

2.3.3.1. Permeability

Permeability is the movement of fluids across a porous medium as a result of pressure gradient.
Thus concrete permeability refers to its ability to transmit fluids through it caused by pressure head;
it applies to the transport of both gases and liquids [35].

Many test methods have been developed to measure the resistance of concrete to the movement or
penetration of fluids (such as water, oxygen or carbon dioxide) or aggressive species (such as
chlorides or sulfates). Some of these tests involve the measure of fluid flow in response to a
hydraulic pressure gradient or moisture gradient, or they involve the measure of ionic movement in
response to a concentration gradient, whereas other tests measure another property, such as
electrical conductivity or resistivity, and relate this parameter to penetration resistance. Regardless
of the test method applied, it is generally considered that the durability of concrete will be
improved with its ability to resist the movement of fluids and ionic species [31].

2.3.3.1.1. Water permeability

The impermeability of concrete can be determined in the laboratory by applying water under
controlled pressure to the surface of concrete and measuring the penetration of water in to the
specimen [41] called water permeability test. As water represents the most important liquid among
those penetrating through concrete [35], improvement in impermeability of concrete to water
implies improvement in durability of concrete. Water permeability of concrete can be evaluated
under both steady state and non steady state condition [35].

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2.3.3.1.1.1. Steady state water permeability

In this case, water is allowed to move across the specimen until steady state flow is attained. This is
done by subjecting the specimen to specific pressure and recording penetrated water until constant
flow of water is obtained. The coefficient of permeability is then calculated by using Darcy‟s law
as show in equation 2.1 below.

Kw = Q/t .l/A. 1/ p ……… (2.1)

Where
Kw = coefficient of water permeability (m/s)
Q = volume of water flowing (m3)
t = time (s)
l = thickness of penetrated section (m)
A = penetrated area (m2)
 P = pressure head (m)

2.3.3.1.1.2. Non steady state water permeability

In this case, the depth of water penetration is measured without the water flow necessarily reaching
steady state. A succession of water pressure is applied across the specimen as follows
(ISO/DIS/7031):

0.3Mpa (3 bar) for the first 24 hour

0.5Mpa (5 bar) for the next 24 hour and

0.7 Mpa (7 bar) for the last 24 hours

At the end of the 72 hour period, the specimens are removed from the rig and split. Just after
splitting, the maximum and average depths of penetration are visually observed and measured [35].

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2.3.4. Proportioning of Ingredients in Making Concrete

The key in achieving a strong, durable concrete rests in the careful proportioning and mixing of the
ingredients. A concrete mixture that does not have enough paste to fill all the voids between the
aggregates will be difficult to place and will produce rough, honeycombed surfaces and porous
concrete. A mixture with an excess of cement paste will be easy to place and will produce a smooth
surface; however, the resulting concrete is likely to shrink more and be uneconomical [36].

There are different methods of mix designing such as: Arbitrary proportion, fineness modulus
method, maximum density method, high strength concrete mix design, mix design based on
flexural strength, Road note No.4 (grading curve method),ACI Committee 211 method, DOE
method, mix design for pumpable concrete. Out of the above methods, some of them are not very
widely used these days because of some difficulties or drawbacks in the procedures for arriving at
the satisfactory proportions.ACI committee 211 method and DOE methods are commonly used
[10].

2.4. Marble and Limestone

2.4.1. Marble and Limestone Definition

The commercial definition of marble refers to all crystalline rocks predominantly composed of
calcite, dolomite or serpentine. The root word for marble-marmore- was used by the Italians, an
ancient Rome, referring to all hard rocks capable of taking a polish including granite. However,
marble in geological usage is a metamorphosed limestone or dolostone whose original texture is
obliterated due to intensive re-crystallization [22].

The term limestone is applied to large and petro graphically diverse group of sedimentary rocks
which are composed of mainly calcium carbonate (CaCO3) occurring as mineral calcite or
aragonite. Around 20 % of all sedimentary rocks are limestone or dolomite or gradation between
the two [9].

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2.4.2. Geological Formation of Marble and Limestone

Marble is a metamorphic rock produced from limestone by pressure and heat in the earth crust due
to geological process [23].Metamorphism involves the alteration of existing rocks by either
excessive heat or pressure or through chemical action of fluids. This alteration can cause chemical
change or structural modification to the minerals making up the rock. Structural modification may
involve the simple re-crystallization of minerals into layers or the aggregation of minerals in to
specific areas within the rock [23].

The pressure and heat in the earth‟s crust cause limestone to change in texture and makeup. This
process is called re-crystallization. Fossilized materials in the limestone, along with its original
carbonate minerals, re-crystallize and form large, coarse grains of calcite [24].

Impurities present in limestone during the re-crystallization period affect the mineral composition
of marble which is formed [25]. Impurities incorporated during the original carbonate precipitation
especially from the cold marine water solution form characteristics of colors. Accordingly a pure
calcite marble is white but tiny amounts of impurities such as iron and magnesium color marble
significantly green. Graphite (algae) colors marble dark, pyrite commonly colors marble greenish
grey, finely disseminated hematite will color marble pink [22].

At relatively low temperature silica impurities in the carbonate minerals form masses of chert or
crystal of quartz. At higher temperature, the silica reacts with the carbonates to produce diopside
and forsterite. At a very high temperature rare calcium minerals such as brnite, monticellite and
rankinife forms in the marble. If water is present serpentine, talc and certain other hydrous minerals
may be produced .The presence of iron, alumina and silica my result in the formation of hematite
and magnetite [25].

Limestone is formed by the deposition either of the skeletons of small creatures and or plants
(organic limestone) or by chemical precipitation, or by deposition of fragments of limestone rock,
on the beds of seas and lakes. Limestone is contaminated to a greater or lesser extent by deposition
of sand or clay which is the sources of impurities found in them. Usually there is difference in
quality in deposit from layer to the next. The purest carbonates and the most suitable from the
production point (cement) of view tend to be the thick bedded type. According to the institute of

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geological science (UK), limestone with 98.5% or greater calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is classified
as of very high purity and less than 85% calcium carbonate as impure [9].

Most carbonate sediments have been produced by biogenic process and consist of the skeleton of
carbonate secreting organisms; although some have formed as a result of inorganic chemical
precipitation. In geological record there are examples of major carbonate system in which each of
these groups has been the dominant carbonate producer. Inorganic carbonates occur as grains and
or pore-filling cements precipitated directly from sea water [9].

2.4.3. Chemical and Physical Properties of Marble and Limestone.

2.4.3.1. Chemical Properties of Marble and Limestone.

Chemically, marbles are crystalline rocks composed predominantly of calcite, dolomite or

serpentine minerals. The other mineral constituents vary from origin to origin. Quartz, muscovite,
tremolite ,actinolite, micro line,chert ,talc, garnet, osterite and biotite are the major mineral
impurities whereas SiO2 ,limonite,Fe2O3,manganese,3H2O and FeS2(pyrite) are the major chemical
impurities associated with marble[25].

Limestone is made up of varying proportion of chemicals such as calcium carbonate

(CaCO3),magnesiumcarbonate(MgCO3),silica(SiO2),alumina(Al2O3),ironoxide(Fe2O3),sulphate
(SO3),and phosphors(P2O5) with calcium and magnesium carbonate being the two major
compounds. The main impurities in raw limestone (for cement) which can affect the properties of
finished cement are magnesia, phosphate, leads, zinc, alkalis and sulfides [26].

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Table 2.5: Typical chemical properties of marble and limestone [26][25]

Marble Limestone
Chemical
(%) (%)
Lime(CaO) 28-32 38-42
Silica 3-30 15-18
MgO 20-25 0.5-3
Alumina(Al2O3) 3-5
FeO+Fe2O3 1-3 1-1.5
Alkalis 1-1.5
LOI 20-45 30-32

2.4.3.2. Physical Properties of Marble and Limestone

Physically, marble is re-crystallized hard, compact, fine to very fine grained metamorphosed rocks
capable of taking shining polish [25].

All limestone are crystalline but with varying crystal sizes and crystal arrangements [26].

Table 2.6: Typical physical properties of marble and limestone [25][26]

Properties Marble Limestone

Hardness 3 to 4 moh‟s scale 3-4 moh‟s scale
Density 2.55-2.7kg/cm3 2.5-2.7kg/cm3
Compressive strength 70-140N/mm2 60-170N/mm2
Water absorption <0.5 % <1%
Porosity very low very low
Weather impacts resistance

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2.4.4. Uses of Marble and Limestone

Colorless or light colored marble are a very pure sources of calcium carbonate, which is used in a
wide variety of industries. Finely ground marble or calcium carbonate powder is a component in
paper, and consumer products such as toothpaste, plastics, and paints. Ground calcium carbonate
can be made from limestone, chalk and marble; about three-quarters of the ground calcium
carbonate worldwide is made from marble. Ground carbonate is used as a coating pigment for
paper because of its high brightness and as paper filler. Ground calcium carbonate is used in
consumer products such as food additives, in toothpaste, and as inert filler in pills. It is used in
plastics because it imparts stiffness, impact strength, dimensional stability, and thermal
conductivity. It is used in paints because it is a good filler and extender, has high brightness and is
weather resistance [27].The constructional use of marble in most cases is for dimensional stone
production although in some places it is also used as raw material in cement production.

Limestone is an input in many industries. It is used in the purification of molten gas, to remove
impurities from molten iron, as filler and abrasive in toothpaste, as soil conditioner to neutralize
acid soils, as source of calcium in supplements and food additives, to make paper white, in the
manufacture of brake pads, in the purification of sugar, in the preparation of wools and dyes, in
manufacture of medicinal anti acids, as water neutralizer and as paint additive [28].It is also a
major input in construction industry as in the production of cement, production of dimensional and
non dimensional stone, as aggregate in road and concrete construction.

2.4.5. Marble and Limestone Deposits in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia marble occurs within the Precambrian basement rocks in all geologic ages; namely,
calcite and dolomite marble in the Awata group of Archaean Complex, marble in the Birbir group,
Tulu Dimtu group and Mormora group of Late Proterozoic rock of the volcano-sedimentary
succession of Pan African age (north, western and southern Ethiopia) [6].

The late Proterozoic to early Palaeozoic marbles of the Tsalient and Tembien groups, are known
not to have completed re-crystallization upon transformation of the parent limestone to marble.
Such conditions of marble are very ideal for dimension stones and they are commonly found in

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northern Ethiopia. These rocks reveal both characteristics of limestone and marble, although
referred as massive black limestone, Mai Kenetal limestone (800m thick), Assem limestone (300m
thick) and commonly occur in association with interbeds of slate, marble, and dolomite. In this
connection the Dedikama formation, the youngest of the Proterozoic rock, (1500m thick) consists
of creamish to white dolomite. This unit is also found exposed in the Denakil depression [6].

The occurrence of limestone is largely related to two major marine transgression and regression
cycles during the Mesozoic era. With regard to the chemical sedimentary rocks / limestone the
early transgression had formed the Hamanele, Abay (Goha Tsion) and Antalo formations consisting
mainly of limestone, dolomite, gypsum and shale. Subsequently the early regression of the sea
towards the end of Jurassic deposited the logoonal facies of Agula formation consisting of black
shale, marl and claystone with beds of limestone gypsum and dolomite in Mekale area, Tigray [6].

The second major transgression event during Aptian age also deposited alternating limestone,
shale, marls, dolomite and anhydrite. The corresponding regression and subsequent marine
situation, late Cretaceous, deposited deterital sediment (sandstone) not chemical sediment
(limestone) until the third but less extensive transgression event during Middle to Late Eocene
depositing the Taleh formation which consist of anhydrite, limestone and interbeds of shale and
gypsum particularly on the eastern extreme of Ogaden basin [6].

2.4.6. Marble Processing in The Ethiopian Marble Processing Enterprise

2.4.6.1. Historical Background

Italian investors primarily established The Ethiopian Marble Processing Enterprise. The
establishment dates many years back. It was during the time of Italian occupation, a man known as
Signore Loliva Cesare, who erected the first Marble processing plant in Gullelie area, under the
name of “Ethio-Marble”.The pioneer of the processing plant started producing Marble for the
purpose of monuments, tiles and window sills. In 1961 E.C he expanded the production capacity of
the plant and the raw materials for Marble products were supplied from Asmara, Mekele and Harar
quarries [29].

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In 1950‟s E.C another Italian investor named Paulo-Mota erected the second plant in Bole area. In
1960 E.C another Italian investor named Signore Frankety erected the third plant in Nifas Silk area.
In 1974 during public uprising in the country, the country‟s economic systems were changed to
command economy; “Nationalization” of Private Enterprises took place, as a rule these three
Private Enterprises were nationalized by Proclamation accordingly. The three branches were in
corporate under a single Enterprise under the name of “Ethiopian Marble Industry”. The
organizational structure of the Industry was directly accountable to Building Materials Production
Corporation that was in turn directly accountable to the Ministry of Building Construction [29].

After the over throw of the “Derg” regime the Transitional Government of Ethiopia has
reorganized the industry,as “The Ethiopian Marble Processing Enterprise”. The Enterprise has now
three branches namely Gullelie, Bole and Nifas silk [29].

2.4.6.2. Marble Processing and Production

The Enterprise Produces Marble Block from two regional states, namely from Harari National
Regional State a place known as “Hakim Gara” quarry it extracts limestone, and from Benshangul
Gumuz National Regional State a place known as “Enkonti”, “Mora” and Mankush it extracts
marble. The Enterprise produces different types of marble block from these three quarry sites. The
colour of the marble from these three quarries varies, example Enkunti marble is white gray, and
white, while “Mankush” marble is multi-colour, and rose, “Mora” marble mainly has a white
colour [29].Annually the three factories are estimated to process marble blocks of 6000 m3
together.

2.5. Micro Fine Filler in Concrete (in fine aggregate and cement)

2.5.1. General

Micro fines are material passing No. 200 sieve (75µm). Most of the previous work found in the
literature on micro fines used as mineral fillers is in regards to self-consolidating concrete (SCC). It
has been previously used to optimize particle packing and to modify the flow behavior of the
cementitious paste in SCC mixtures. The presence of micro fines in the paste helps reduce the

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viscosity in the paste. Limestone and dolomite were found to be among the most frequently used
mineral fillers for SCC mixtures [17].

One of the biggest concerns when using micro fines is the possibility of clay particles being
present, which can weaken the paste-aggregate bond in the concrete. Clays also delay the cement
hydration and affect the volume stability of concrete. On the other hand, micro fines like silts can
improve the concrete performance. In the case of limestone micro fines, better particle packing can
considerably improve stability and workability of fresh concrete. However, in most cases, the
addition of a small amount of micro fines can lead to a reduction in workability of fresh concrete
[17].

In the past it has been shown by researchers that the addition of mineral fillers (between 7% and
10%) in fine aggregate can improve compressive and flexural strength in concrete. Others found
that this improvement can be as much as 30% gain in strength. This is believed to be due to an
increase in the density of the paste matrix and interfacial transition zone, once the concrete hardens.
The main contribution to strength due to fines occurred during the first 28 days. After the 28-day
period, the strength gain was negligible [17].

International center for aggregates research (ICAR) also studied three types of micro fines (two
limestones and one granite) as substitution of sand and cement. In the study it was concluded (on
report 401/2009) that the use of micro fines allowed the reduction of cement content while
maintaining or improving the performance of the baseline mixture. And micro fine additions
(cement or sand reduction) improved the hardened properties of the concrete. The compressive
strength of the mixtures containing micro fines was higher than for the baseline mixture. The
performance of the concrete in shrinkage and permeability was also improved. As for abrasion
resistance, the mixtures containing more micro fines were more resistant than the baseline mixture
[17].

2.5.2. Trends in Using Micro Fines in Concrete (in fine aggregate)

Conventional wisdom has held that micro fines have higher surface area that results in higher water
demand. Higher water demand results in lower strength and higher drying shrinkage [74].For that

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reason ASTM C33 has limited the amount of fine particles less than 75µm to 5% for concrete
subject to abrasion and 7% for other concretes [18].

However, as reported by different researchers, fine particles can act as lubricant and enhance
plastic properties of cement paste similar to what fly ash can. Such action decreases the higher
water demand due to higher surface area required to achieve a given workability [18].

Many countries allow greater percentage of micro fines in concrete than ASTM C33 specification.
Like in Australia normally 10% but 25% if agreed by owners, in France
12 to 18%, in India 15 %( 20% if tested), in Spain 15%, in South Africa 10%, in Europe 16 % and
in UK 16% of micro fines can be used in concrete production [18].

2.5.3. Theories in Support of Using Micro Fine Filler in Concrete

2.5.3.1. Packing Density

The grading of aggregates can have a great influence on the performance of a concrete mix is
actually well known long time ago [20]. It is only that many parameters (the various size fractions
of the aggregate) are needed to describe the grading and the effects of the various parameters are
often blurred by the interaction between the various parameters involved. Nevertheless, it is
nowadays very clear that the single most important parameter influencing the performance of
concrete is the packing density of the aggregate.

The packing density of a given aggregate or a given lump of solid particles is the ratio of the
volume of solids to the bulk volume of the solid particles. Since the bulk volume is equal to the
volume of solids plus the volume of voids, a higher packing density means a smaller volume of
voids to be filled and vice versa. With the paste volume fixed, the increase in packing density of the
aggregate could be employed to increase the workability of the concrete at the same
water/cementitious (w/cm) ratio or increase the strength of the concrete by reducing the
water/cementitious ratio while maintaining the same workability. Apart from increasing the excess
paste at a given paste volume to improve the workability and/or strength of the concrete, the
increase in packing density of the aggregate could also be employed to improve the dimensional
stability of the concrete. In a concrete mix, it is the cement paste that generates heat of hydration

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causing thermal expansion/contraction during the early age and shrinks when subjected to drying in
the longer term. Hence, the larger the paste volume is, the larger would be the changes in
dimension of the hardened concrete due to early thermal expansion/contraction and long term
drying shrinkage. The heat of hydration and drying shrinkage of a concrete are dependent also on
the water/cementitious ratio, both being larger at higher water/cementitious ratio. The reduction in
paste demand due to a higher packing density of the aggregate would for the same workability
allow the use of a smaller paste volume at fixed water/cementitious ratio or a lower
water/cementitious ratio at the same paste volume, either of which would significantly improve the
dimensional stability of the concrete [20].

The concept of packing density can be extended to apply also to cementitious materials, which
may include cement and other supplementary cementitious materials, such as pulverized fuel ash
(PFA), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and condensed silica fume (CSF) etc.
Drawing analogy to the previous case of packing aggregate particles, the packing density of the
cementitious materials should have similar effect on the water demand and the flow ability of the
cement paste. The different types of cementitious materials are generally of different sizes. By
mixing appropriate proportions of different cementitious materials together, the medium size
particles will fill up the gaps between the larger size particles and the smaller size particles will fill
up the gaps between the medium size particles and so forth. Hence, blending cementitious materials
of different sizes together could increase the packing density of the cementitious materials and
reduce the water demand [20].

2.5.3.2. Incomplete Hydration of Cement in High Strength Concrete

In concretes with low w/c ratio (<0.38), hydration of the cement will be incomplete; as there is
insufficient pore space within which the hydration products can deposit. Thus in these concretes a
portion of the relatively expensive cement is potentially being wasted and serving only as
reinforcing material [19].

Thus it is suggested by many researchers to replace the unhydrated cement with cheap inert fillers
to produce economical concrete.

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2.6. Limestone (Calcium Carbonate) Filler in Cement and Concrete

2.6.1. General

Calcium carbonate filler, often called limestone filler, is normally less expensive than Portland
cement and can cost effectively replace a part of the powder content in most concretes [30].

Traditional use of Calcium carbonate originates from France and has been in use for more than 25
years [30].In Europe, a number of countries allowed different percentages of limestone prior to
adoption of EN 197-1. The current EN 197-1 (2000) allows all of the 27 common types of cement
to contain 5% minor additional components, which most typically are either limestone or cement
raw meal. As well, 6 types of cement allow higher amounts of limestone in two replacement level
ranges, CEM II/A-L and CEM II/A-LL (6-20% limestone), CEM II/B-L and CEM II/B-LL (21-
35% limestone) and CEM II/A-M and CEM II/B-M in addition to the 5% minor additional
components. The difference between the –L and the – LL designations are based on different
qualities of the limestone used. For both L and LL, CaCO3 ≥ 75% and clay content ≤ 1.20g/100g.
The difference is in the allowable total organic carbon content: Type LL restricts total organic
content ≤ 0.20% by mass while Type L restricts total organic content ≤ 0.50% by mass [31]. 5%
limestone addition to Portland cement is also allowed in the U.S. [31].

2.6.2. Production and Reaction of Limestone Cement

Limestone cement can be produced by inter grinding, blending or by addition at the time of mixing
concrete. Inter grinding of limestone has several benefits. Limestone is a softer material than
clinker and therefore takes less energy to grind to the same fineness [31].

The reactivity of limestone has been debated, while most researchers have previously believed that
limestone serves as inert filler, research shows that limestone does react to a limited extent. As the
limestone particles become finer, this reaction is more likely. Researchers found that at low
concentrations limestone (calcite) reacts completely to form various carboaluminate phases. The
extent of limestone‟s reactivity is controlled by the amount of sulphate in the system. As the
sulphate content increases, the likelihood of unreacted calcite increases. Differences in the types

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and amounts of hydration products have been observed between Portland and limestone cements.
There is much agreement that limestone reacts primarily with the C3A component of the cement to
form carboaluminates at the expense of hydrates. It has been suggested that some CaCO 3 can be
incorporated in calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) formed by C3S. However, the formation of ettringite
is under debate. Production of calcium hydroxide (CH) seems to be enhanced at early ages partially
due to dissolution of limestone and also due to limestone‟s ability to act as nucleation sites.
Different authors found that the CH crystals forming in limestone cements to have different
morphology than those in Portland cements [31].

2.6.3. Effects of Limestone (Calcium Carbonate) Filler on Cement Properties

2.6.3.1. General

In most cases limestone filler have an effect on the cement properties due to their fineness.
Inclusion of an inert very fine powder will significantly accelerate the hydration of alite and
aluminates of the cement because the particles act as nucleation sites for the formation of the
hydration products .Another effects of finely divided additions is their action as filler between the
cement grains producing a denser paste and densifiying the interfacial zone between the aggregate
and cement paste [21].

In a test series with additions of limestone of increasing fineness, researchers found a relatively
greater increase in 2 day strengths compared with 28-day strengths, attributed to the filler effect of
the limestone. Some investigators also observed that addition of 5% and 25% limestone enhanced
formation of calcium hydroxide at early ages in cements due to the provision of nucleation sites by
limestone for the growth of calcium hydroxide. Improved strength development from additions of
limestone with varying fineness was also observed. Thus, inclusion of appropriate amounts of a
very fine powder will enhance the performance of most cement, despite the dilution [9].

2.6.3.2. Consistency

The effect of limestone powder on the water requirement of OPC and blended cement has been
studied extensively and majority of findings are in favor of a better workability of mortar and
lowering the water requirement for neat paste containing limestone. The improvement in the

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workability of paste and mortar is due to suitable texture fineness and particle size distribution of
cement containing limestone.

As reported after investigation carried out on consistency of cement with limestone powder
addition with various fineness and particle size distribution similar to OPC, the apparent viscosity
of cement paste is decreased with the increasing amount of limestone. Other researchers also used
three cements of different fineness with different quantity of limestone from 0-15% by weight and
found that limestone addition up to 15% decreases yield point values, especially for finer cements
and increases slightly the plastic viscosity .From the results it was concluded that lubricating power
of very fine limestone particles was the most possible reason for their behavior because of
difference in grind-ability of limestone and cement [9].

Limestone have practically no effect on consistency of cement up to 5% replacement but at 7% and

10 % replacement level there is 1-2% reduction in water requirement of cement. However the water
reducing effect decreases with the higher fineness of limestone [9].

2.6.3.3. Soundness

The effect of calcareous addition on the autoclave expansion of OPC has not been studied
extensively. The recent findings show that the addition of calcareous material (limestone) up to the
range of 5-7% in cement mortar has small influence on shrinkage as compared to siliceous
additives. From the results of autoclave and Le-Chatelier expansion as observed by investigators
there is no remarkable effect on the soundness of OPC paste with up to 10% replacement by
additives [9].

2.6.3.4. Setting Time

In regard to the effect of limestone on setting times of cement, the general consensus is that the
fineness of limestone is a factor influencing setting time of cement pastes. However, the magnitude
of this effect differs among various studies. Some researchers investigated cement pastes of
different fineness and C3S contents at 0% and 5% limestone replacements. Initial and final setting
times were found to decrease as fineness increased. The decrease was more pronounced in cements
with low C3S. Similarly others found that increasing limestone additions decreased the setting time

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of cement pastes. On the other hand, other researchers found that increased fineness gave longer
initial setting times at 20% limestone replacement [31].

2.6.3.5. Hydration

Many research papers on influence of limestone powder on hydration of Portland cement have
reported that the C3S hydration rate is accelerated when the amount and fineness of CaCO3 is
increased. This is due to the fact that they generate a large number of nucleation sites for
precipitation of the hydration products [9].

Some researchers investigated hydration of cement pastes at various w/c ratios (0.25 to 0.50) with
approximately 10% and 20% limestone replacements. It was found that the degree of hydration was
markedly more rapid during the first 7 days in the higher w/c ratio pastes containing limestone. At
lower w/c ratio (~0.30), the differences were not as noticeable. However, it must be noted these
pastes were designed to have similar strength. Similar results were observed in concrete mixtures at
0.34 and 0.50 w/c ratio containing approximately 10 and 20% limestone. For both water to cement
ratios investigated, the addition of limestone increased the degree of hydration at all ages. For
ternary blends of cement, fly ash and limestone, chemically combined water was found to increase
with increasing amount of limestone (decreasing fly ash, as total of these was kept at constant 20%
replacement) in OPC pastes. However, for sulphate resistant cements, increased hydration was
observed up to 10% limestone with minimal differences at higher amounts of limestone [31].

2.6.3.6. Compressive Strength

Some observers found that addition of limestone powder into cement paste and mortar increases the
strength at early ages without changing the workability of mortar. The increase in strength is
directly related to the rate of hydration of cement by the addition of limestone [9].

For a given cement strength the maximum addition of limestone varies with the type of clinker and
with its fineness. For a given clinker and a given limestone, the more limestone added the higher
clinker fineness should be to produce a cement of the same strength [41].

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According to some investigators, irrespective of grinding method, inter-grinding or separate

grinding of limestone and other materials, up to 5%,the strength of cement at 3 and 7 days were
slightly higher than the pure ordinary Portland cements. The decrease of strength at 28 and 91 days
is found nearly linear to the amount of limestone [9].

Depending upon the source of limestone, undesirable effects on the strength was also observed. In
every case, decrease in the strength caused by limestone at the age of 91 days seems to be smaller
than at the age or 28 days. Findings of research works on the strength development show that when
the percent of substitution of limestone in OPC increases, the compressive strength of resultant
cement decreases [9].

Researchers also observed that blending of Portland cement with 10-40% finely ground limestone
improves the early strength. At 10 and 20% addition of limestone in cement there was an increase
of 145% and 135% in 3 days compressive strength. At 7 days, it was also maximum for 10%
substitution level. The 28 days compressive strength at 12% addition level was equivalent to
control OPC, but at higher substitution level the same strength was less than the control cement [9].

It has been observed that the strength of cement with higher aluminates (C3A-13.2%) was not
lowered even at 30% addition of fine carbonates, while the cement having C3A content at 3-5% can
accommodate 20% of carbonate addition without altering the strength characteristics of original
cement [9].

2.6.4. Effects of Limestone (Calcium Carbonate) on Concrete Properties

2.6.4.1. Workability

In regards to the effect of limestone additions on water demand and workability, there are
conflicting results in the published literature. Much of these effects can be related to the particle
size distribution of the limestone in relation to the cement. Generally, fine limestone particles can
enhance the overall particle packing of the binder materials resulting in less space for water
between the solid grains. Some researchers found that decreasing the average particle size of
limestone used as a partial replacement for cement gave better early-age rheological properties.
[31].Above a certain proportion natural impurities in limestone can increase the water demand [41].

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Less research has been carried out on the effects of limestone additions in concrete concerning
water demand. Some found that concrete slump decreased (less workable) with coarser limestone
than with finer particles. Decreased workability was also observed with increasing limestone
additions by increased admixture dosages to achieve the target slump. Other determined that 0.01
increment in w/c ratio was required to achieve the same slump from 0% to 5% limestone addition
and another 0.01 increase for limestone addition from 5% to 25%. [31].

2.6.4.2. Compressive Strength

The strength of concrete produced with limestone cement is strongly influenced by the quality of
the limestone used, the manufacturing process (blending versus inter-grinding) and the final
particle size distribution of the cement. Limestone is softer than Portland cement clinker and will,
therefore, be finer than the clinker if the two products are ground together. For cements of equal
surface area (Blaine), the clinker particles in Portland-limestone cement (PLC) will be coarser than
those in Portland cement (PC)[31].

Some researchers compared a series of cements with limestone contents of 0, 3, 5.5 and 8%
prepared at equal Blaine versus at equal sub-45 micron (# 325) value. In these tests a limestone
with 85% CaCO3 was used together with a Type II low-alkali clinker with a C3A content of 5.1%
and the clinker, gypsum (all cements contained 2.5% SO3) and limestone were ground together in a
laboratory ball mill. These data show that comparable strengths can be obtained provided that
Portland limestone cement (PLC) is ground to a higher surface area or equal sub-45 micron (# 325)
sieve value. Limestone additions up to 5% may actually increase early-age strength as a combined
result of improving particle packing, increasing the rate of cement hydration; and early production
of calciumcarboaluminate. Even when ground limestone is blended with Portland cement( PC) (as
opposed to inter-grinding), the strength is relatively unaffected up to 5% limestone .At higher
replacement levels the loss of strength due to dilution must be compensated by finer grinding[31].

Other researchers compared three cements from the same plant with 0, 8.3 and 18.1% inter-ground
limestone having Blaine finenesses of 317, 372 and 420 m2/kg, respectively. Concretes (w/c = 0.5)
produced with these cements achieved 28-day, water-cured compressive strengths of 40.2, 38.1 and
36.3 MPa (for 0, 8.3 and 18.1% limestone, respectively).Early-age strengths were increased in the

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concretes produced with the limestone cements and, as a result, the 28-day strengths of concretes
that were air-cured after 1 day, were greater for the mixes with PLC [31].

In summary, with regards to the impact of PLC on the compressive strength of concrete, the
published data would seem to support the conclusions that the appropriate choice of clinker quality,
limestone quality, limestone content and cement fineness can lead to the production of a limestone
cement with the desired properties” at least for cements with up to 15% limestone [31].

2.6.4.3. Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength and Modulus of Elasticity

Studies of tensile (cylinder splitting) and flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity have been
made by a number of authors. Generally the trend in behavior is the same as that observed for
compressive strength and predictive equations used to estimate these properties from the
compressive strength are valid for concrete produced using Portland Limestone cement [31].

2.6.4.4. Permeability

Some researchers measured the gas permeability, water permeability, sorptivity, and porosity of
concretes produced with 7 different cements. The cements were produced by inter-grinding clinker
(7.3% C3A), limestone of high purity (95.5% CaCO3) and gypsum (5% by mass of clinker) in a
pilot plant ball mill. The cements differed in the quantity of limestone and the fineness of the inter-
ground cement. The cements were used to produce concrete samples which were cured for 28 days
prior to conducting the tests. In general, the concretes produced with PLC have higher gas
permeability coefficients than the PC concrete, with the exception of the concrete produced with
the PLC with 35% limestone, which recorded the lowest gas permeability value. On the other hand,
the PLC concretes showed reduced permeability to water and lower water sorptivity values. The
porosity of the concrete was unaffected by the presence of up to 15% limestone in the cement, but
increased with higher limestone contents. The authors concluded that overall the PLC concrete had
“competitive properties” with the PC concrete [31].

Other researcher conducted oxygen permeability tests on concretes (w/c = 0.60) produced with a
range of different cements. Five different Portland cements were used in this program. One of these
was inter-ground with 5 and 25% limestone; the remainder was blended with 5 or 25% ground

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limestone. One of the cements was blended with 30% fly ash and another was inter-ground with
28% fly ash. After stripping at 24 hours, concrete samples were stored either in water or air until 28
days, after which all samples were further conditioned in air at 20oC and 65% relative humidity
(RH) until test at 100 days. The results have been averaged for all mixes produced with the same
limestone content. It is evident that the permeability decreases with increasing limestone in the
cement; however, differences are relatively small compared with the reductions due to extended
curing [31].

2.7. Some Previous Studies of Using Marble Waste as Filler in Cement and
Concrete

Marble powder as raw material to cement production was studied by National council for cement
and building material, Bombay [1] ;and it was reported that it was achieved by the study that
marble waste powder can be used as cement raw mix component from 5 to 15%.

Valeria & et al [2], conducted compressive strength test of mortar with percentage replacement of
cement by marble waste powder; and it was reported that compressive strengths of mortars
decrease with increment of percentage of cement by marble powder. It was studied by Valeria

Carinaldesi & etal [20] that a mixture made of water, marble powder and hydrated lime (CaOH)2

and cured in sealed air-free environment, was not able to harden after 28 days of observation which
implies that marble powder is not pozzolanic.

In a study by A.K.misrak & Renimate [3], it was reported that at w/c ratio=0.537 workability of
concrete decreases as percentage of sand is substituted by marble powder. But in another study by
Hanifi Binic, et.al [4] it was reported that concrete made by replacement of sand by marble dust up
to 15% had good workability comparable to that of conventional concrete.

In a study by A.K.misra & Renu Mathur [3], it was reported that compressive strength, flexural
strength and abrasion resistance of concrete made by percentage substitution of sand by marble
powder showed compressive strength, flexural strength and abrasion resistance increment up to
40% substitution. The result of the compressive strength is supported by a study conducted by
Hanifi Binic & etal [4], but the study was up to 15%.In a study by Valeria and etal [20], it was also

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reported that marble waste powder can be used as filler and helps to reduce the total voids content
in concrete, consequently, this contributes to improvement of strength of concrete.

Hanifi,Binic,& etal[4] also showed that abrasion resistance of concrete made by percentage
substitution of sand by marble waste powder was comparable with concrete without marble
powder.

In the same study, increment of percentage of substitution of sand by marble dust caused a
significant increment in the sodium sulphate resistance of concrete whereas water penetration
depth of concrete with marble dust at 15% substitution was found considerably less than that of
concrete with 0% marble powder.

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CHAPTER THREE
MATERIALS USED IN THE RESEARCH

3.1. Introduction

In this chapter, the materials used for the investigation are described with respect to their sources
and relevant physical and chemical properties. All laboratory investigations on the materials used
in studying the properties of marble waste powder blended cements are carried out in Mugher
cement factory quality control assurance department; whereas the properties of concrete made by
incorporation of marble waste powder ingredient is studied in Addis Ababa University, Civil
Engineering Department, material lab.

3.2. Materials Used in Studying the Properties of Marble Waste Powder

Blended Cements

3.2.1. Clinker

For the production of laboratory cements, clinker from Mugher cement factory was chosen. For this
test purpose, the sample of the clinker was collected from the clinker silo which was collected after
passing the full clinkerization process by controlling the raw materials in such a way that their
chemical composition were within the norm of the factory.

To have consistent product and to keep the quality of cement, the factory used to control the raw
material mix by chemical analysis and computerized control system. For this purpose, from
experience, it sets its norm chemical range for each raw material such that the clinker is expected to
be consistent and be within the standard. It corrects any deviation, of the raw material chemical
composition from the range, by adjusting the raw material proportion and or using corrective raw
materials. The clinker used for the test was also produced from raw materials whose chemical
composition was within the norm of the factory.

The sample of the clinker was tested for its chemical and mineralogical composition and the test
results are shown in Table 3.1 and 3.2 below.

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Table 3.1: Chemical composition of Mugher clinker used for

the test
Test result
Chemical composition
(%)
SiO2 20.03
Fe2O3 3.73
Al2O3 5.94
CaO 66.31
MgO 1.07
SO3 1.14
K2O
Na2O
LOI 0.08
IR(insoluble residue) 0.12
F-CaO(free calcium) 1.94
CaCO3 77.87

Table 3.2: Mineralogical composition of Mugher clinker

used for the test
Test result
Mineralogical composition
(%)
C3 S 61.25
C2 S 11.23
C3AF 9.42
C4AF 11.38

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3.2.2. Gypsum

The gypsum used for the test was also taken from the source of Mugher cement factory. Before it
was used in the Portland cement production, the gypsum was crushed in raw material grinding mill
and dried in the lab. The chemical composition of the gypsum was tested to check its conformity to
the norm of the factory. The test results are shown in Table 3.3 below.

Table 3.3: Chemical composition of gypsum used for the test

Norm
Sample gypsum
Chemical composition of gypsum
(%)
(%)
H2O 10
SiO2 0.2-15 16
Fe2O3 0.5-1.5 1.2
Al2O3 1-4.3 3.5
CaO 28-34 30
MgO 0.6-3 0.45
SO3 28-43 35
K2O <=0.3 Negligible
Na2O <=0.3 Negligible

LOI 12.6-24.5 9

3.2.3. Marble Waste Powder

Before using marble waste powder for the test, four samples, collected on different times from the
three factories of The Ethiopian Marble Processing Enterprise were examined for their fineness and
chemical composition. The test results are shown in Table 3.4 and 3.5 below.

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Table 3.4: Chemical composition of marble waste powder samples

Marble waste Marble waste Marble waste Marble waste

Chemical
1 2 3 4
composition
(%) (%) (%) (%)
SiO2 0.62 1.08 3 1.14
Al2O3 0.16 0.4 0.25 0.2
Fe2O3 0.10 0.12 0.56 0.24
CaO 54.91 53.79 52.45 53.57
MgO 0.8 0.8 1.28 1.12
CaCO3 98 96 94 95.13
LOI 43.25 43.41 41.54 42.54

Table 3.5: Fineness of marble waste powder samples

Marble waste Marble waste Marble waste Marble waste

Physical
1 2 3 4
property

Fineness

(average of 5 3571cm2/g 4843cm2/g 4843cm2/g 4843cm2/g

tests)

( Blaine)

Then two samples, one with fineness of 3571cm2/g(sample 1) and another with fineness of
4843cm2/g (sample 2) were selected and used for the test as all the samples are similar in chemical
composition.

3.2.4. CEN Standard Sand

The sand used for the study to determine the strength of cement was CEN standard sand with well
graded rounded particles and has a Silica content of 98% as specified in EN 196-1 standard

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requirement. This CEN sand is delivered in plastic bags with a content of 1350 gm .It is imported
from Germany by the Mugher cement enterprise for quality control of cement production.

3.2.5. Chemicals

For determination of the chemical and mineralogical composition as well as sulphate and insoluble
residue, different chemicals were used as per the specified method of testing cement based on the
European standard EN 196.2.

3.2.6. Water

Throughout the investigation, tap water supplied for drinking consumption at Mugher was used for
curing the hardened mortar samples. For all physical and chemical analysis distilled water was
used.

3.3. Materials Used in Studying Concrete Properties

3.3.1. Cement

For studying the effects of marble waste powder on the properties of concrete, it was proposed to
use Mugher OPC; however as Mugher was not producing OPC and also as other factories were
concentrating on production of PPC, it was difficult to get any OPC in and around Addis Ababa
during the studying period. Therefore it was a must to search and use another comparable cement
that Mossobo OPC was collected from Mekele and was used for the experiment.

That is, for all concrete specimens casted for the investigation, cement of Mossobo Ordinary
Portland, which was manufactured according to Ethiopian standard ES-1177-1-2005 and European
standard EN-197-1-2000, was used. Its typical chemical and mineralogical compositions are shown
in Table 3.6 and 3.7 below:

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Table 3.6: Typical chemical composition of Mossobo OPC [35]

Percentage by weight
Chemical composition

SiO2 20.05
Fe2O3 3.70
Al2O3 4.75
CaO 63.94
MgO 1.31
S O3 2.41

Table 3.7: Typical mineralogical composition of Mossobo

OPC [35]
Percentage by weight
Mineralogical composition

C3 S 60.41
C2 S 13.19
C3 A 6.32
C4AF 11.27

Its fineness as measured in the lab, by Blaine, was 4320 cm2/g.

3.3.2. Aggregates

Throughout the experiment, river sand and basaltic crushed stone from local market, with the
following physical characters, were used as fine and coarse aggregate respectively.

3.3.2.1. Silt Content of Fine Aggregate

The presence of dust, loam and clay materials with sand decreases the bond between the materials
to be bound together thereby decreases the strength of concrete besides decreasing the quality of
concrete. Accordingly, the sand for the experiment was tested for silt content and was found to
have 13% silt content .This is above the maximum value recommended by Ethiopian standard.
Therefore, the sand, before used in all tests, was washed until clear water came out.

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3.3.2.2. Gradation of Fine and Coarse Aggregate

Aggregate grain size distribution or gradation is one of the properties of aggregates which influence
the quality of concrete. Therefore, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate with gradation satisfying the
grading requirement of Ethiopian standard (ES C.D3.201 as shown in Table 3.8 and 3.9
respectively) were used throughout the experiment.

Table 3.8: Gradation of fine aggregate used for the test

Weight
Cumulative Cumulative
Sieve size
Percentage coarser passing
Retained
retained
(%) (%)
(gm)
9.5mm 0 0 0 100
4.75mm 17 2.53 2.53 97.47
2.36mm 30 4.48 7.01 92.99
1.18mm 95 14.16 21.17 78.83
600µm 158 23.55 44.72 55.28
300µm 186 27.72 72.44 27.56
150µm 126 18.78 91.22 8.78
Pan 53 8.78 100
FM= 245.35/100=2.45

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Fig 3.1: Gradation of sand used for the test

Table 3.9: Gradation of coarse aggregate used for the test

Weight Cumulative Cumulative
Sieve size
retained Percentage coarser passing
retained
(mm)
(gm) (%) (%)
0 0 0 100
37.5 0 0 0 100
25* 901 11.33 11.33 88.67
19.5 1495 18.79 30.12 69.88
12.5* 3144 39.53 69.65 30.35
9.5 1379 17.34 86.99 13.01
4.75 927 11.65 98.64 1.36
Pan 107 1.36 100

*intermediate sieve

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Fig 3.2: Gradation of coarse aggregate used for the test

3.3.2.3. Unit Weight, Specific Gravity and Absorption Capacity of Aggregates

As unit weight, specific gravity and absorption capacity affect the type and quality of concrete and
as such parameters are input for mix designing, these parameters were determined for both fine and
coarse aggregate. The determined values are shown in Table 3.10.

Table 3.10: Physical test results of aggregates used for the test

Unit weight Specific gravity

Absorption
Type of aggregate
capacity (%)
(kg/m3) (Bulk SSD)
Fine aggregate 1484.86 2.77 7.82
Coarse aggregate 1484.80 2.72 1.93

3.3.3. Marble Waste Powder

In this test, commercially called marble waste powder but geologically limestone mixed marble
waste powder, marble processing factory by-product, from The Ethiopian Marble Processing
Factory, (Sample 4 type as indicated in Table 3.4 with Blaine fineness value of 4843cm2/g ) was
used as cement and sand replacing filler.

Although four samples from the three sources were taken, only sample 4 was used in this
experiment since sample 2, 3 and 4 were similar. Sample one was dropped as it was coarser than
the cement used for the test.

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3.3.4. Water

Clean tap water was used for washing aggregates, and mixing and curing of concretes.

3.3.5. Chemicals

Water reducing admixture, SP 1, which is manufactured in Ethiopia by Licon Manufacturing PLC,

was used during mixing for high strength concrete samples as per the manufacturer‟s instruction.

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CHAPTER FOUR
EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
4.1. Introduction

The main objectives of the experimental program are to study the effects of using marble waste
powder as cement replacing filler on the physical and chemical properties of cement, and to study
the effects of using marble waste powder as cement or sand replacing filler on the performance of
concrete. To achieve these objectives, two major experiments were designed.

The first experiment (experiment one) was done to determine the effects of replacing part of
Ordinary Portland cement with marble waste powder on various properties of cement such as water
requirement or normal consistency, setting time, soundness, compressive strength and flexural
strength.

Following experiment one, another experiment (experiment two) was performed to determine the
effects of replacing part of cement and sand with marble waste powder on concrete performance
such as workability, strength and permeability.

4.2. Experiment One

Experiment one, which consists of preparation of marble waste powder, determination of fineness
of marble waste powder, choosing type of cement and fineness of cement for the experiment,
production of cement, preparation of blended cements, different physical and chemical tests of
cement and preparation and test of mortar and cement pastes, was designed to determine the effects
of replacing part of Ordinary Portland cement with marble waste powder on various properties of
cement.

4.2.1. Preparation of Marble Waste Powder

The marble waste originally was discharged from the factory in slurry form and was very wet
during collection. This required drying the slurry to get it in powder form. Therefore, the marble

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slurry collected from the factory was dried by sun light for more than 15 days (due to the winter
season) until its water content is nil.

The interest of the researcher was to use the marble waste powder with its original (natural)
fineness. However as the powder comes out in slurry form from the factory, drying turns it to large
conglomerate grain form than to powder form; this required a certain manual grinding to get its
natural (original) fineness.

Therefore the dried conglomerate grain was ground manually by local traditional stone mill and its
fineness was determined before blending with cement.

4.2.2. Determination of the Fineness of Marble Waste Powder

After grinding, the fineness of the four marble waste powder samples was tested for fineness by
Blaine air permeability apparatus. And it was found that one sample had a Blaine fineness of 3571
cm2/gm whereas the three samples had Blaine fineness of 4843 cm2/gm.

4.2.3. Choosing the Type and Fineness of Cement

As the interest of the researcher was to use the marble waste powder with its own original fineness,
the fineness of the cement in the research was determined with respect to the fineness of the waste
powder with the idea that the cement would be coarser than the filler powder so that the powder
would have filler effect. With this interest the cement for the research was ground to Blaine of 3113
cm2/gm which is under the range of General Purpose Ordinary Portland cement fineness.

In practice (in Mugher factory) OPC cement is ground coarser than PPC cement. This makes the
researcher expect the marble waste powder would have better filler effect on OPC than PPC that
OPC cement was used for research.

4.2.4. Production of Cement

For producing cement for the research, clinker passing the normal controlling step and composed of
raw materials with chemical composition within the range of the norm of Mugher cement factory

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was taken and ground with 5% gypsum which fulfills the norm of chemical composition range of
the factory. The clinker and gypsum was ground in a mill to fineness of 3113 cm2/gm.

4.2.5. Preparation of Blended Cements

After Ordinary Portland cement was produced to the required fineness in the mill, and after the
marble waste was prepared as described in section 4.2.1, two groups of blended cements were
prepared by mixing marble waste powder with 5, 10, 15, 20% addition of the mass of Ordinary
cement. This blending was done in dry condition by rotary mixer such that the distribution of the
filler will be homogenous and uniform.

The first group of blended cements (5 in number) ,were prepared by blending Mugher OPC with
marble waste powder of Blaine fineness of 3571 cm2/gm from 5 to 20 % ranges with 5% increment
as shown below in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1: Proportion of blending of marble waste powder, for fineness of 3571 cm2/gm,
with OPC

Mugher clinker Gypsum Marble waste powder

S.No Code
(%) (%) (%)
1 MOPC 95 5 0
2 MP5 90 5 5
3 MP10 85 5 10
4 MP15 80 5 15
5 MP20 75 5 20

The second group of blended cements (4 in number) were prepared by blending Mugher OPC with
marble waste powder of Blaine fineness of 4843cm2/gm from 5 to 20% ranges with 5% increment
as shown below in Table 4.2.

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Table 4.2: Proportion of blending of marble waste powder, for fineness of 4843 m2/gm,
with OPC

Mugher
Gypsum Marble waste powder
clinker
S.No Code
(%) (%)
(%)
1 MLP5 90 5 5
2 MLP10 85 5 10
3 MLP15 80 5 15
4 MLP20 75 5 20

Note: The description of the blending code is:

MOPC indicates control cement prepared by Mugher OPC without filler.

MP5 indicates Mugher OPC cement blended with 5% marble waste powder of 3571 cm2/gm
fineness.

MP10 indicates Mugher OPC cement blended with 10% marble waste powder of 3571 cm2/gm
fineness.

MP15 indicates Mugher OPC cement blended with 15% marble waste powder of 3571 cm2/gm
fineness.

MP20 indicates Mugher OPC cement blended with 20% marble waste powder of 3571 cm2/gm
fineness.

MLP5 indicates Mugher OPC cement blended with 5% marble waste powder of 4843 cm2/gm
fineness.

MLP10 indicates Mugher OPC cement blended with 10% marble waste powder of 4843 cm2/gm
fineness.

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MLP15 indicates Mugher OPC cement blended with 15% marble waste powder of 4843 cm2/gm
fineness.

MLP20 indicates Mugher OPC cement blended with 20% marble waste powder of 4843 cm2/gm
fineness.

4.2.6. Preparation of Specimens

As strength is the main quality controlling parameter for cement, different specimens were
prepared for studying the strength. For all mixes the European Standards and with particle size
distribution and moisture content which comply with the specified standard of EN 196-1:1994 was
used. The test specimens for strength tests were then cast in steel mold with 40mmx40mmx160mm
prism in two layers and compacted on jolting apparatus with 60 jolts for the first layer and then
compacted the second layer with a further 60 jolts. All specimens were prepared with one part
cement to three parts of standard sand proportioned by weight with sufficient water.

4.2.7. Curing Condition

After casting, primarily all mortar blocks were placed in a shelf with relative humidity of above
65% and room temperature of between 20-220c to enable the mortars achieve enough strength for
water curing by ensuring that moisture is retained and not lost rapidly. Then all the mortar blocks
were immersed in a water curing pond until testing period. Each of the blocks were marked using
permanent ink marker in each case to clearly show the percentage cement content, date and time of
production and an identification number.

4.3. Experiment Two

Experiment two, which consists of determination of the physical parameters of fine and coarse
aggregate, mix designing, concrete specimens preparation and tests of fresh and hardened concrete
cubes and beams, was designed to determine the effects of replacing part of cement and sand with
marble waste powder on concrete performance.

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4.3.1. Determination of Physical Parameters of Aggregates (fine and coarse)

Aggregates are important constituents in concrete. The mere fact that aggregates occupy 70-80
percent of the volume of concrete, their impact on various characteristics and properties of concrete
is undoubtedly considerable. The depth and range of studies that are required to be made in respect
of aggregates to understand their widely varying effects and influence on the properties of concrete
cannot be underrated[10].As aggregates are natural materials their proprieties vary in different
extent that concretes of different aggregates vary accordingly. Different physical parameters of
aggregates are required to be within a certain limit by different standards so that the concrete from
that aggregate will give the intended performance. Some physical parameters are also important as
an input in mix designing. Therefore, the following properties of aggregates were tested and
determined.

1. Gradation of fine and coarse aggregates by sieving with procedures as indicated in construction
materials laboratory manual [14]. From this test the gradation of both coarse and fine aggregates
were found to be within the standard requirement of ES C.D3.201.

2. Silt content of fine aggregate: for determination of silt content by mass, a sample of fine
o
aggregate was taken and it was dried in an oven at 105 c for 24 hours. It was then sieved on a

1.18mm sieve. The material passing was weighed and its mass was recorded as m1.It was then
o
thoroughly washed on a 75µm until clear water came out, and again dried in the oven at 105 c for

another 24 hours. Its final mass was then recorded as m2.The silt content was then calculated as

Silt content= (m1-m2)/m1*100.

By this test, the silt content was found to be 13% which is above the limit recommended by
Ethiopian standard; therefore the sand was washed before use.

3. The specific gravity and absorption capacity of fine and coarse aggregates were determined by
methods and procedures indicated in construction materials laboratory manual [14] as they are
inputs for mix designing. The unit weights of the aggregates were also determined.

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4.3.2. Mix Designing and Trial Mix Preparation

Mix design can be defined as the process of selecting suitable ingredients of concrete and
determining their relative proportions with the object of producing concrete of certain minimum
strength and durability as economically as possible.

For this experiment, design mix is done using DOE method for two classes of concrete (C-25 and
C-50).The proportion of the materials as per the design is given in Table 4.3 below.

Table 4.3: Proportion of materials for trial mixes

Type of material C-25 C-50

Cement(kg) 305 530

Sand(kg) 965 850
Coarse aggregate(kg) 1025 920
Water(kg) 170 170

After the theoretical mix design, trial mixes were prepared and tested for compressive strength at
3 and 7 days. The results are shown in Table 4.4 and 4.5 below.

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Table 4.4: Three and seven days‟ compressive strengths of trial mixes for C-25
Dimension Compressive
Sample Test age Weight Failure load
[mm] strength
no (days) [kg] [kN]
L W H [MPa]
1 3 150.15 151.8 152.24 7.2105 207.2 9.21
2 3 150.02 150.69 151.34 7.3545 204.5 9.09
3 3 150.06 151.82 153.34 7.3165 210.9 9.37
Mean 207.53 9.22
1 7 150.04 150.02 152.24 7.5035 291.6 12.96
2 7 150.27 150.6 150.83 7.454 281.7 12.52
3 7 151.79 150.28 152.58 7.5695 300.3 13.34
Mean 291.2 12.94

Slump=48mm
Table 4.5: Three and seven days‟ compressive strengths of trial mixes for C-50
Dimension Compressive
Sample Test age Weight Failure load
[mm] strength
no (days) [kg] [kN]
L W H [MPa]
1 3 153.37 152.99 154.98 7.7040 561.5 24.95
2 3 150.09 150.14 151.84 7.3220 552.3 24.55
3 3 150.1 150.21 152.67 7.3740 546.3 24.28
Mean 553.37 24.59
1 7 150.27 150.09 152.9 7.554 787 34.98
2 7 150.03 150.87 150.12 7.498 752 33.42
3 7 150.18 150.23 151.14 7.426 754.8 33.54
Mean 764.6 33.98

* Slump=68mm
During trial mixing, the water used to keep the required workability was greater than the
theoretical water content which affected the intended w/c ratios. The three day strengths of the

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trial mixes seem high enough to meet the required strength at 28 day; but the seven day strengths
indicates the need of a certain adjustment to meet the design strength at 28 days. This reduction
in strength is expected to be from w/c increment due to water increment to keep the mixes
workable. Therefore the design was adopted keeping w/c or w/cm ratio and with adjustment of
cement content in C-25 case and with addition of water reducing admixture in C-50 case. The
adjusted mix proportion is shown below in Table 4.6.
Table 4.6: Proportion of materials after adjustment

Type of material C-25 C-50

Cement(kg) 360 530

Sand(kg) 925 850
Coarse aggregate(kg) 980 920
Water(kg) 200 170
Admixture(lit) 9.17

4.3.3. Concrete Specimens Preparation

For studying the effects of replacing parts of cement and sand by marble waste powder, four groups
of concrete specimens were prepared.

The first group designed for medium strength concrete(C-25) was prepared by replacing cement
with marble waste powder from 0-20% replacement ranges with 5% increment to study the effects
on performance of concrete.

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Table 4.7: Proportion of materials for concrete specimens of group one, C-25
Marble Coarse Fine
Cement Water Admixture
S.No Code powder aggregate aggregate w/(cm)
(kg) (kg) (ml)
(kg) (kg) (kg)
1 CM0 21.6 0 58.8 55.5 12 0.56
2 CM5 20.52 1.08 58.8 55.5 12 0.56
3 CM10 19.44 2.16 58.8 55.5 12 0.56
4 CM15 18.36 3.24 58.8 55.5 12 0.56
5 CM20 17.28 4.32 58.8 55.5 12 0.56

The second group designed for high strength concrete(C-50) was prepared by replacing cement
with marble waste powder from 0-20% replacement ranges with 5% increment to study the effects
on performance of concrete.

Table 4.8: Proportion of materials for concrete specimens of group two, C-50

Marble Coarse Fine

Cement Water Admixture
S.No Code powder aggregate aggregate w/(cm)
(kg) (kg) (ml)
(kg) (kg) (kg)

1 CH0 31.8 0 55.2 51 10.2 550 0.34

2 CH5 30.21 1.59 55.2 51 10.2 550 0.34
3 CH10 28.62 3.18 55.2 51 10.2 550 0.34
4 CH15 27.03 4.77 55.2 51 10.2 550 0.34
5 CH20 25.44 6.36 55.2 51 10.2 550 0.34

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The third group designed for medium strength concrete(C-25), was prepared by replacing sand with
marble waste powder from 0-20% replacement ranges with 5% increment to study the effects on
performance of concrete.

Table 4.9: Proportion of materials for concrete specimens of group three, C-25

Marble Coarse Fine

Cement Water Admixture
S.No Code powder aggregate aggregate w/(cm)
(kg) (kg) (ml)
(kg) (kg) (kg)
1 SM0 21.6 0 58.8 55.50 12 0.56
1 SM5 21.6 2.775 58.8 52.72 12 0.56
2 SM10 21.6 5.55 58.8 49.95 12 0.56
3 SM15 21.6 8.325 58.8 47.17 12 0.56
4 SM20 21.6 11.1 58.8 44.40 12 0.56

The forth group designed for high strength concrete( C-50), was prepared by replacing sand with
marble waste powder from 0-20% replacement ranges with 5% increment to study the effects on
performance of concrete.

Table 4.10: Proportion of materials for concrete specimens of group four, C-50

Marble Coarse Fine

Cement Water Admixture
S.No Code powder aggregate aggregate w/(cm)
(kg) (kg) (ml)
(kg) (kg) (kg)
1 SH0 31.8 0 55.2 51.0 10.2 550 0.34
2 SH5 31.8 2.55 55.2 48.45 10.2 550 0.34
3 SH10 31.8 5.1 55.2 45.9 10.2 550 0.34
4 SH15 31.8 7.65 55.2 43.35 10.2 550 0.34
5 SH20 31.8 10.2 55.2 40.8 10.2 550 0.34

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For each mix code, 12 test cubes (15x15x15cm) and 3 test beams (50x10x10cm)] were prepared for
compressive strength, water permeability and flexural strength tests.

Note: Description of the concrete specimen code is:

CM0=SM0 indicates control concrete specimen of C-25 prepared with Mossobo OPC without
marble waste powder.

CH0=SH0 indicates control concrete specimen of C-50 prepared with Mossobo OPC without
marble waste powder.

CM5 indicates concrete specimen of C-25 prepared with Mossobo OPC with 5% marble waste
powder.

CM10 indicates concrete specimen of C-25 prepared with Mossobo OPC with 10% marble waste
powder.

CM15 indicates concrete specimen of C-25 prepared with Mossobo OPC with 15% marble waste
powder.

CM20 indicates concrete specimen of C-25 prepared with Mossobo OPC with 20% marble waste
powder.

CH5 indicates concrete specimen of C-50 prepared with Mossobo OPC with 5% marble waste
powder.

CH10 indicates concrete specimen of C-50 prepared with Mossobo OPC with 10% marble waste
powder.

CH15 indicates concrete specimen of C-50 prepared with Mossobo OPC with 15% marble waste
powder.

CH20 indicates concrete specimen of C-50 prepared with Mossobo OPC with 20% marble waste
powder.

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SM5 indicates concrete specimen of C-25 prepared with Mossobo OPC, and sand with 5% marble
waste powder.

SM10 indicates concrete specimen of C-25 prepared with Mossobo OPC, and sand with 10%
marble waste powder.

SM15 indicates concrete specimen of C-25 prepared with Mossobo OPC, and sand with 15%
marble waste powder.

SM20 indicates concrete specimen of C-25 prepared with Mossobo OPC, and sand with 20%
marble waste powder.

SH5 indicates concrete specimen of C-50 prepared with Mossobo OPC, and sand with 5% marble
waste powder.

SH10 indicates concrete specimen of C-50 prepared with Mossobo OPC, and sand with 10%
marble waste powder.

SH15 indicates concrete specimen of C-50 prepared with Mossobo OPC, and sand with 15%
marble waste powder.

SH20 indicates concrete specimen of C-50 prepared with Mossobo OPC, and sand with 20%
marble waste powder.

For each mix, mixing was done by first blending the powder homogenously to respective cement or
sand. Then coarse aggregate, fine aggregate and cement was put to the mixer one over the other.
These materials were mixed dry by vertical rotary mixer for about 1 minute. After dry mix, water
was added. The wet mix was mixed for more than 2 minutes. During each mix slump test was
taken.

After the mix was done, the fresh concrete was then poured in to the mould and compacted in two
layers by vibration with vibrating table each layer for 15 seconds in cube mold cases, and for 15
seconds for first layer and 30 seconds for second layer in beam mold cases.

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4.3.4. Curing

After the concrete was cast it was left for a time in open air .Then it was trimmed and, finished
inside the mold .After finishing the specimens were left in the mold for 24 hours after which they
were released from the mold and immersed in water pond for curing until test period.

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CHAPTER FIVE
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
5.1. Introduction

In this section the test results on the physical and chemical properties of marble waste powder
blended cements (test results of experiment 1), the test results on the performance of concrete made
with marble waste blended cement, and test results on the performance of concrete made with sand
blended with marble waste powder (test results of experiment 2) are presented, analyzed and
discussed.

5.2. Test Results and Discussions on Experiment One

In this part the test results on the physical and chemical properties of marble waste powder blended
cements are presented, analyzed and discussed.

5.2.1. Suitability of Marble Waste Powder as Filler in Cement Production

To check the suitability of the marble waste powder as blending material in cement production, the
research began by studying the physical and chemical properties of the powder.

As fineness affects filler effect, the fineness of the powder was taken as main evaluation criteria
from physical properties. From chemical composition point, the calcium carbonate and clay content
limit set by EN 197-1:2000 for Limestone Portland cement was taken as evaluation criteria.

Physically, as tested in the lab, the fineness values of the marble waste powder which was b/n 3571
and 4843 cm2/kg are comparable with the fineness of modern Portland cement (3000-5000
cm2/kg).Chemical composition analysis of all samples of marble waste powder, as shown in Table
3.4, showed that calcium carbonate contents were above 90%, clay contents were below
1.15gm/100gm and organic carbon contents were nil. These imply that the powders satisfy the
three requirement limits set by EN 197-1 standard for Limestone Portland cement production. In
addition other chemicals in the waste powder are very small in percentage.

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From the EN 197-1 standard requirement of limestone (calcium carbonate) for Portland limestone
cement production, the test results of the chemical composition of the marble waste powder, as
shown in Table 3.4, ascertains the suitability of the waste powder for use as calcareous (calcium
carbonate) filler in cement production.

5.2.2. Filler Effects of the Marble Waste Powder

To see the filler effects of the marble waste powder on the cement chosen for the test, the fineness
of all marble waste powder blended cements were determined by Blaine air permeability apparatus
and sieve. The test results are shown in Table 5.1 below.

Table 5.1: Fineness of marble waste powder blended cements

By Blain By 63µm sieve By 90µm sieve
S.No Code
(cm2/kg) (%) (%)
1 MOPC 3113 9.3 2.3
2 MP5 3138 9.5 2.3
3 MP10 3218 9.4 2.3
4 MP15 3273 10.2 2.4
5 MP20 3234 11.7 2.4
6 MLP5 3202 10.6 2.0
7 MLP10 3281 11.0 2.3
8 MLP15 3227 11.1 2.4
9 MLP20 3484 11.3 2.4

From these tests, the increment of retained particles on sieving, with 63µm sieve, with increment
of marble powder with the two fineness of the marble waste shows that the filler has certain
percentage of grains coarser than the cement. The coarseness is greater in marble waste powder
with fineness of 4843cm2/kg than 3571cm2/kg. Sieving on 90µm also ascertains the presence of
more grains greater than size 90µm in the marble waste powder than in the cement. However the
Blaine test shows an increment of Blaine with increment of percentage of powder in all cases
except the interruption of the increment for 20% in case of marble waste powder with 3571cm2/kg
fineness. This in general implies that certain percentage of the marble waste powder grains are finer

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than certain grains of the cement. Therefore, for that particular fineness of the cement, the marble
waste powder has filler effect on the cement. The filler effect is greater in marble powder with
fineness of 4843cm2/kg than with fineness of 3571cm2/kg for the same percentage of addition.
5.2.3. Consistency of Cement Pastes

Normal consistency tests, for the blended cements, were conducted, by Vicat apparatus, to observe
the changes in water requirement of pastes due to the marble waste powder filler.

Table 5.2: Normal consistency of marble waste powder

blended cement pastes

S.No Code Consistency (%)

1 OPC 26
2 MP5 27
3 MP10 27
4 MP15 27
5 MP20 27
6 MLP5 27
7 MLP10 27
8 MLP15 27
9 MLP20 27

The majority of findings of researches on the effect of limestone on water requirement of OPC are
in favor of lowering water requirement owning to suitable texture fineness and particle size
distribution of cement containing limestone. However some find that the water reducing effect of
limestone reduces with higher fineness of limestone [9].

The test results, as shown in Table 5.2, reveal a slight increase in water requirement for all cement
with marble waste powder addition when compared to the control cement. This is attributed to the
increment of fineness of blended cements. But the increment of the percentage of marble waste
powder addition from 5 to 20% didn‟t show remarkable change on the water requirement. The
increment of fineness of marble waste powder from 3571 cm2/kg to 4843 cm2/kg also didn‟t show
change on the water requirement. This is probably due the interaction effects of water increment

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due to fineness of the powder and water requirement reduction effect due to accelerated hydration
by the powder.

In all cases of blending, the normal consistencies of the pastes are within the range of the normal
consistency for normal cement which is between 26-33% [14].

5.2.4. Setting Time

Tests for setting time were conducted to compare the setting time of the blended cements with
standards and also with the control paste. The test results are shown in Table 5.3 below.

Table 5.3: Initial and final setting time of marble waste powder
blended cement pastes
Initial Setting time Final setting time
S.No Code
(minutes) (minutes)
1 OPC 93 163
2 MP5 84 149
3 MP10 90 153
4 MP15 92 150
5 MP20 102 162
6 MLP5 64 144
7 MLP10 86 150
8 MLP15 87 151
9 MLP20 72 148

The general consensus is that the fineness of limestone (calcium carbonate) is a factor influencing
setting time of cement pastes. However, the magnitude of this effect differs among various studies
[31].

For these particular finenesses of marble waste powder, the results show that the addition of marble
waste powder has reduction effect on initial setting time up to 15% for marble waste powder with
fineness of 3571cm2/kg and up to 20% for marble waste powder with fineness of 4843cm2/kg than
the paste with cement of 0% marble waste powder addition. The addition of marble waste powder

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with these two finenesses also reduces final setting time compared to the paste with cement of 0%
powder addition (the control). The reduction rate of both initial and final setting time with the
addition of the powder increases as the fineness increases. The trend of reduction of both initial and
final setting time with percentage increment of marble waste is not uniform.

This reduction in initial and final setting time is observed due to the powder‟s (calcium carbonate)
action of forming nucleation sites for hydration products [31] which result in early hydration than
the control paste.

EN 197-1:2000 limits the initial setting time for composite Portland cement not to be less than 45
minutes. The Ethiopian standard limits initial and final setting time for Portland pozzolana cement
(ES C.D5.202, section 4.2.4) to be 45 minutes and 600 minutes respectively [29]. ASTM C 150
limits, for Vicant, setting time to be between 45 to 375 minutes [34].Comparing test results with
standards, blended cements by addition of marble waste powder satisfy the requirement of
European, ASTM and Ethiopian standards.

5.2.5. Soundness

When referring to Portland cement, "soundness" refers to the ability of a hardened cement paste to
retain its volume after setting without delayed destructive expansion. This destructive expansion is
caused by excessive amounts of free lime (CaO) or magnesia (MgO). Most Portland cement
specifications limit magnesia content and expansion. ASTM C 150, Standard Specification for
Portland cement specifies a maximum autoclave expansion of 0.80 percent for all Portland cement
types [15]. According to the Ethiopian standard, the expansion of Portland cement shall not exceed
10mm [14].

In the research Le-Chatlier expansion tests were conducted for soundness test. The results are
shown in Table 5.4 below.

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Table 5.4: Soundness of marble waste powder blended

cement pastes

S.no Code Soundness(expansion)

1 OPC 1mm
2 MP5 1mm
3 MP10 1mm
4 MP15 1mm
5 MP20 1mm
6 MLP5 1mm
7 MLP10 1mm
8 MLP15 1mm
9 MLP20 1mm

The expansion recorded is within the standard limits for Ordinary Portland cement set by ASTM
and Ethiopian standard. The result revealed that the addition of marble waste powder on Ordinary
Portland cement has no remarkable effects on the soundness of cement pastes.

During the investigation, sound produced by colliding dried pastes were observed and was uniform
and thin light which indicates that there is no problem in expansion or no sign of cracking.

The absence of expansion in marble waste powder blended cement like the OPC cement reveals
that the amount of free lime and MgO is controlled in clinkerization step and the free lime and
MgO in the additive are little in quantity to affect late expansion.

5.2.6. Sulphur Trioxide (SO3)

The sulphur Trioxide (SO3) content in cement determines and affects late expansion due to delayed
ettringite that standards put limits for it.

In this research, tests were conducted to see the effects of marble waste powder addition on OPC
cement on sulphur trioxide.

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Table 5.5: Loss on ignition, sulphate and insoluble residue of marble

waste powder blended cements
S.No Code SO3 I.R LOI
1 OPC 3.14 1.21 1.05
(%) (%) (%)
2 MP5 3.01 1.19 2.84
3 MP10 2.84 2.62 5.22
4 MP15 2.63 1.29 7.46
5 MP20 2.5 1.58 8.89
6 MLP5 2.86 1.09 2.93
7 MLP10 2.99 1.14 5.22
8 MLP15 2.68 1.46 6.8
9 MLP20 2.57 0.97 8.9

From the results, as shown in Table 5.5 above, it is seen that the addition of marble waste powder
reduces the percentage of SO3 than the control OPC. The reduction percentage increases with
increasing percentage of addition for both finenesses of the marble waste powder. This is due to the
absence of SO3 in the marble waste powder. Both the control cement and all the marble waste
powder blended cements have SO3 content below the upper limit of European standard requirement
for composite Portland cement. The European standard requirement for lower strength class is
expected to be less than 3.5 % and for higher strength classes is less than 4% [9].

Therefore both the control OPC and the blended cements are not expected to be affected by late
expansion due to SO3.Moreover, the marble waste powder blended cements have lesser percentage
SO3 „

5.2.7. Loss on Ignition (LOI)

High loss on ignition of cement indicates the extent of carbonation and prehydration of free lime
and free magnesia which may be caused by improper and prolonged storage or adulteration during
transport or transfer [11]. One of the reasons why cement standards limits LOI is that the loss
represent organic content which is expected to hinder bond.

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The total loss on ignition of the marble waste blended cements as shown in Table 5.5 increases
with increment of addition of marble waste powder.This accounts to the conversion of CaCO3 in to
CaO+CO2 which is intentionally added on the cement, and not related to pre-hydration as the
cements are tested as soon as they are produced.

Therefore, the increment of LOI with the addition of the marble waste powder doesn‟t have any
negative meaning.

5.2.8. Insoluble Residue

Insoluble residue in cement contaminates clinker by materials other than calcium sulphate [38] that
different standards limit insoluble residue content in cement.

In the research the effects of adding marble waste powder on insoluble residue was tested to check
conformity with standards.

The results, as shown above in Table 5.5, show that the addition of the marble waste powder affects
the insoluble residue (I.R) slightly with non uniform trend due to the presence of unreacted
chemicals in the powder. However in all cases, it is below the standard set by EN 197-1 for
composite cement. The specified requirement on European standard is expected to be less than or
equal to 5% [9].

5.2.9. Compressive and Flexural Strength of Hardened Mortars

Different standards set minimum strength for different purpose cement as standard controlling
parameters. In this research, mortars were prepared from Mugher OPC cement and marble waste
powder blended cements in accordance with EN 196-1, Methods of testing cement, for examining
the effects of the marble waste powder on the compressive and flexural strengths of mortars.

The compressive strength and flexural strengths of the mortars were tested on 2 and 28 days. The
detail test results are given in the Appendices. But for discussion, the summarized and averaged test
results are given in Table 5.6 below.

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Table 5.6: Summarized and averaged compressive and flexural strengths of test mortars for two and twenty eight days.

Average compressive strength Average flexural strength

2 days 28 days 2 days 28 days
S.No Code
Load Strength Load Strength Load Strength Load Strength

(kN) (N/mm2) (kN) (N/mm2) (kN) (N/mm2) (kN) (N/mm2)

1 OPC 41.94 26.27 83.22 52.02 2.18 5.12 4.38 10.27
2 MP5 40.30 25.19 82.46 51.54 2.00 4.68 4.44 10.40
3 MP10 36.98 23.16 72.81 45.51 1.86 4.36 3.88 9.09
4 MP15 33.91 21.19 73.42 45.89 1.85 4.32 3.98 9.32
5 MP20 30.46 19.04 61.35 38.34 1.71 4.00 3.25 7.61
6 MLP5 40.41 25.27 79.69 49.81 2.02 4.74 4.21 9.86
7 MLP10 40.47 24.02 75.64 47.28 1.95 4.57 4.11 9.63
8 MLP15 35.48 22.16 72.25 45.15 1.88 4.40 3.90 9.17
9 MLP20 33.39 20.87 69.59 43.49 1.72 4.03 3.73 8.74

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Fig.5.1: Comparison of compressive strength of blended cements with control OPC

Table 5.7: Strength deviation of marble waste powder blended cements

2 days compressive strength 28 days compressive strength

deviation from the control cement deviation from the control cement
Code
(%) (%)

MP5 4.11 0.92

MP10 11.84 12.51

MP15 19.34 11.78

MP20 27.52 26.29

`MLP5 3.8 4.25

MLP10 8.56 9.11

MLP15 15.64 13.21

MLP20 20.55 16.39

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As shown in Table 5.7 above the degree of effects of the marble waste on two days compressive
strengths are different. 5% additions of marble waste powder, with fineness of both 3571cm2/kg
and 4843cm2/kg, on OPC gave comparable strength as that of the control OPC cement at two
days (only 4.11% and 3.8% compressive strength reduction was observed respectively).10%
additions of marble waste powder, with fineness of both 3571cm2/kg and 4843cm2/kg, on OPC
resulted in a compressive strength reduction than the control (11.84% and 8.56% compressive
strength reduction was observed respectively).15% additions of marble waste powder, with
fineness of both 3571cm2/kg and 4843cm2/kg, on OPC resulted in a compressive strength
reduction than the control (19.34% and 15.64% compressive strength reduction was observed
respectively).20 % additions of marble waste powder, with fineness of both 3571cm2/kg and
4843cm2/kg, on OPC also resulted in a compressive strength reduction than the control (27.52%
and 20.55% compressive strength reduction was observed respectively).

Similarly the test results on the 28th days compressive strength showed effect in different
degree.5% additions of marble waste powder, with fineness of both 3571cm2/kg and
4843cm2/kg, on OPC gave comparable strength as that of the control one (only 0.92% and
4.25% compressive strength reduction was observed respectively).10% additions of marble
waste powder, with fineness of both 3571cm2/kg and 4843cm2/kg, on OPC resulted in strength
reduction (12.51% and 9.11% respectively) than the control OPC.15% additions of marble
waste powder, with fineness of both 3571cm2/kg and 4843cm2/kg, on OPC, showed 11.78% and
13.21% compressive strength reduction than the control OPC respectively.20 % additions of
marble waste powder, with fineness of both 3571cm2/kg and 4843cm2/kg, on OPC also showed
26.29% and 16.39% compressive strength reduction than the control OPC respectively.

These all showed that the compressive and flexural strength of hardened cement mortars
decreased with increase of powder content. These decreases in strength mainly occur due to
replacement of Portland cement clinker with powder addition with different proportion causing
dilution of C3S and C2S which is responsible for strength.

Comparing the effect of fineness of marble waste powder, generally, the finer marble waste
shows less strength loss than the coarser one owing to its better filler effect.

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However, EN 197-1 set, minimum compressive strength of hardened cement for high strength
class of 32.5MPa, is equal to 10MPa for 2 days and 32.5MPa for 28 days and for a class of
42.5MPa the strength need to be greater or equal to 20MPa for 2 days and 42.5MPa for
28days.But the maximum strength for 28 days for this class should not be greater than 62.6MPa
[9].

According to EN 197-1 the compressive strengths of the blended cements at two days satisfy
EN 197-1 compressive strength limit for both classes of cement, in all cases except for 20 %
addition of marble waste powder with 3571cm2/kg fineness which doesn‟t fulfill strength
requirement of high early strength class 42.5MPa.

The 28th days compressive strengths of the blended cements also satisfy EN 197-1 compressive
strength limit for both classes of cement in all cases except for 20 % addition of marble waste
powder with 3571cm2/kg fineness which doesn‟t fulfill strength requirement of high early
strength class 42.5MPa.

Therefore blending of marble waste powder with OPC at 5% with the indicated finenesses gives
comparable strength to that of the control OPC. For 10 and 15 % blending ranges, though
reduction in strength is observed, blended cements at these replacement ranges satisfy the
European standard strength limits. At 20% blending range, compressive strengths are reduced
considerably in both cases; however blended cements with marble powder of 4843cm2/ kg
fineness satisfies the European standard strength of class 42.5MPa, and blended cement with
marble powder of 3571cm2/kg fineness satisfies the European standard strength of class
32.5MPa.

5.2.10. Rate of Strength Development Comparison

The rate of strength development of cement which directly affects rate of development of
concrete strength should be known for constructional technical purposes. Therefore, the rate of
strength development of all samples of blended cements are calculated from 2 to 28 days and
shown in Table 5.8 below.

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Table 5.8: Rate of strength development of marble waste powder blended cements

28 days
Rate of strength
2 days compressive compressive
development
S.No Code strength strength
(%)
(MPa) (MPa)
1 OPC 25.92 52.02 200.69
2 MP5 25.19 51.54 204.60
3 MP10 23.16 45.51 196.50
4 MP15 21.19 45.89 216.56
5 MP20 19.04 38.84 203.99
6 MLP5 25.23 49.81 197.42
7 MLP10 25.34 47.28 186.58
8 MLP15 21.61 45.15 208.95
9 MLP20 20.87 43.53 208.57

The rate of strength development from 2 to 28 days is calculated and shown in Table 5.7 above.
The trend of rate of development for both finenesses of marble waste powder is not uniform
however for all cases the rate of strength development is comparable to the control OPC even in
most cases with greater rate than OPC due to accelerated hydration rate as calcium carbonate act
as nucleation site.

5.3. Test Results and Discussions on Experiment Two

In this part, the test results on performance of concretes made with marble waste blended
cement, and test results on performance of concretes made with sand blended with marble waste
powder are presented, analyzed and discussed.

5.3.1. Workability

Workability is affected by every component of concrete and essentially every condition under
which concrete is made. A list of factors include the properties and the amount of cement,
grading, shape, angularity and surface texture of fine and coarse aggregates, proportion of
aggregates, amount of air entrained, type and amount of pozzolan, type and amount of chemical

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admixture, temperature of the concrete, mixing time and method, and time since water and
cement are in contact. These factors interact so that changing the proportion of one component
to produce a specific characteristic requires that other factors be adjusted to maintain
workability [32].

Numerous attempts have been made by many research workers to quantitatively measure
workability of concrete. But none of these methods are satisfactory for precisely measuring or
expressing this property to bring out its full meaning [10].However many tests, measure
parameters very close to workability and provide useful information.

In regards to the effect of limestone (calcium carbonate) additions on water demand and
workability, there are conflicting results in the published literature. Much of these effects can be
related to the particle size distribution of the limestone in relation to the cement. Generally, fine
limestone particles can enhance the overall particle packing of the binder materials resulting in
less space for water between the solid grains [31].

In this experiment slump of all mixes with constant water to cementious material (w/cm) ratio
for the same group were measured to get information about workability changes due to the
marble waste powder.

As it is shown below in Table 5.9, 5.10, 5.11 and 5.12, concrete mixes with cement substituted
by marble waste powder show slump reduction than the control mix in both C-25 & C-50 cases.
This is due to the reduction of the cement paste quantity as some part of the cement is replaced
by the waste powder and as the particle size of the marble waste used was not much finer than
the cement to enhance the particle packing density of the cement.

But in cases of sand substituted by marble waste powder, slump increment is observed with
increment of marble waste powder in both C-25 & C-50 cases .This is due to the increment of
the particle packing density of the sand due to the very fine filler which results in less space for
water between the sand grains compared with the control mixes. The slump increment is greater
in case of C-25 than the C-50 as the w/cm ratio in case of C-25 is greater than the C-50 one
which emphasizes the cement paste to aggregate ratio than the C-50 one.

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Table 5.9: Slump of class C-25 concrete specimens prepared with

cement blended with marble waste powder
Mix Slump
S.No Class w/cm
code
(mm)
1 CM0 C-25 0.56 56
2 CM5 C-25 0.56 46
3 CM10 C-25 0.56 47
4 CM15 C-25 0.56 28
5 CM20 C-25 0.56 28

Table 5.10: Slump of class C-50 concrete specimens prepared with

cement blended with marble waste powder
Slump
S.No Mix code Class w/cm
(mm)
1 CH0 C-50 0.34 67
2 CH5 C-50 0.34 62
3 CH10 C-50 0.34 57
4 CH15 C-15 0.34 57
5 CH20 C-20 0.34 38

Table 5.11: Slump of class C-25 concrete specimens prepared with

sand blended with marble waste powder
Slump
S.No Mix code Class w/c
(mm)
1 SM5 C-25 0.56 64
2 SM10 C-25 0.56 75
3 SM15 C-25 0.56 80
4 SM20 C-25 0.56 84

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Table 5.12: Slump of class C-50 concrete specimens prepared with

sand blended with marble waste powder
Slump
S.No Code Class w/c
(mm)
1 SH5 C-50 0.34 55
2 SH10 C-50 0.34 59
3 SH15 C-50 0.34 60
4 SH20 C-50 0.34 60

5.3.2. Compressive and Flexural Strength

For observing the performance changes due to the substitution of part of cement and sand by
marble waste powder in concrete production ,two classes of concrete,C-25 and C-50, were
prepared and tested for compressive strength at 2,7 and 28 days; and flexural strength at 28
days.

The test results for all samples are presented on the Appendices. But for the purpose of
discussion the summarized test results are presented in Tables 5.13, 5.14, 5.15 and 5.16 below
according to the type of the specimens.

5.3.2.1. Compressive and Flexural Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared by

Cement Blended with Marble Waste Powder

The strength of concrete is very much dependant up on the hydration reaction [16].The type and
amount of cement used in concrete determines the hydration reaction.

The reactivity of calcium carbonate (limestone) has been debated while most researchers have
previously believed that limestone serve as an inert filler, research shows that limestone does
react to a limited extent.

Many research papers on influence of limestone (CaCO3) powder on hydration of Portland

cement have reported that the C3S hydration rate is accelerated when the amount and fineness of

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CaCO3 is increased. This is due to the fact that they generate a large number of nucleation sites
for precipitation of the hydration production.

The strength of concrete produced with limestone cement is strongly influenced by quality of
limestone used, the manufacturing process (blending versus inter-grinding) and the final particle
size distribution of the cement [31].

In this experiment, in all cases, i.e. for 5 to 20 % substitution of cement by marble waste powder
for both C-25 and C-50 concrete specimens, the test results, as shown in Table 5.13 and 5.14
show that the third and seventh days compressive and flexural strengths of specimens with
marble waste powder are less than that of the corresponding control specimens. The reduction of
the strength increased with increasing percentage of marble waste powder.

These decreases in strength mainly occur due to replacement of Portland cement with powder
addition causing dilution of C3S and C2S which is responsible for strength; and also due to less
filler effect of the powder as the fineness of the waste powder being not much greater than that
of the cement which probably hinders the CaCO3 to be nucleation site.

The latter age strengths of concrete specimens at 28 days for 5% substitution for both C-25 and
C-50 classes are almost the same as that of the corresponding control specimens. This is due to
the filler effect of certain very fine particle of the marble powder in the mix which improves the
particle packing of the cement that the strength reduction expected due to cement reduction is
balanced by the improvement of particle packing of the cement. But beyond 5% substitution
range for both C-25 and C-50 specimens, the 28 days strengths decreases with the addition of
marble powder than the corresponding control specimens with reduction increment with the
increment of percentage of marble waste powder; this attributes to the replacement of Portland
cement by the powder which causes dilution of C3S & C2S which is responsible for strength and
due to the inability of balancing the effect of strength reduction due cement reduction by
improvement of particle packing of the cement due to the increment of coarser marble powder
grains which couldn‟t be filled in between the cement particles.

For high strength concrete there is a theory that in low w/c ratio concrete some of the cement
which couldn‟t be hydrated can be replaced by inert filler. In this experiment for medium high

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strength concrete a w/cm of 0.34 was used. For this w/cm ratio, only 5% substitution gave
similar strength as the control mix .Here it is difficult to distinguish whether it is due to the
effect of particle packing or due to the unhdration of cement in the control specimen.

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Table 5.13: Averaged strengths of class C-25 concrete specimens prepared by cement blended with marble waste powder

Average flexural
Average compressive strength
strength
S.No Code 3 days 7days 28days 28 days
Load Strength Load Strength Load Strength Strength

(kN) (N/mm2) (kN) (N/mm2) (kN) (N/mm2) (N/mm2)

1 CM0 247.23 10.98 420.63 18.69 650.90 28.93 2.87
2 CM5 218.50 9.71 386.50 17.17 640.63 28.47 2.76
3 CM10 198.80 8.83 346.46 15.39 550.7 24.48 2.47
4 CM15 191.53 8.51 327.73 14.99 528.20 24.16 2.38
5 CM20 179.97 8.00 253.13 11.22 442.03 19.66 2.38

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Table 5.14: Averaged strengths of class C-50 concrete specimens prepared by cement blended with marble waste powder

Average flexural
Average compressive strength
strength

S.No Code 3 days 7days 28days 28 days

Load Strength Load Strength Load Strength Strength

(kN) (N/mm2) (kN) (N/mm2) (kN) (N/mm2) (N/mm2)

1 CH0 608.84 26.93 847.93 37.68 1079.8 47.99 3.76
2 CH5 595.90 26.48 829.20 36.86 1095.30 48.67 3.63
3 CH10 516.53 22.95 732.87 32.57 978.90 43.50 3.13
4 CH15 503.50 22.38 703.10 31.25 934.10 41.51 3.31
5 CH20 465.83 20.70 693.10 30.80 905.5 40.16 3.50

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5.3.2.2. Compressive and Flexural Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared by

Sand Blended with Marble Waste Powder

Conventional wisdom has held that micro fines have higher surface area that results in higher
water demand. Higher water demand results in lower strength [18].But in aggregate, if instead
of a single sized aggregate a multi-sized aggregate is used, the smaller size aggregate particles
will fill up gaps between the larger size aggregate particles leading to a smaller volume of gaps
within the aggregate skeleton. This firstly, the volume of cement paste needed to fill up the gaps
within the aggregate skeleton will be reduced, secondly if the volume of cement is kept the
same, the use of a multi-sized aggregate will increase the volume of excess paste which
disperses the aggregate particles, provides a coating of paste for each aggregate particles and
renders workability to the concrete mix [20].

In this experiment, the strength of concrete specimens, as shown in Table 5.15 & 5.16, with
sand substituted by marble waste powder, for both C-25 & C-50 classes at 3, 7 and 28 days are
the same as the corresponding control mix with most cases with a little degree strength
enhancement by the addition of marble powder in all percentages than the corresponding control
specimens. This is due to the improvement of particle packing density of the aggregate which
increases the volume of excess paste which provides coating of paste for each aggregate. But
there is no remarkable strength increment with percentage increment of marble powder in both
C-25 and C-50 cases.

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5.15: Averaged strengths of class C-25 concrete specimens prepared with sand blended with marble waste powder

Average flexural
Average compressive strength
strength
S.No Code 3 days 7days 28days 28 days
Load Strength Load Strength Load Strength Strength

(kN) (N/mm2) (kN) (N/mm2) (kN) (N/mm2) (N/mm2)

1 SM0 247.27 10.88 420.63 18.69 650.90 28.93 2.87
2 SM5 259.23 11.54 430.70 19.14 665.50 29.57 3.59
3 SM10 252.63 11.35 433.03 19.26 665.50 29.57 3.64
4 SM15 256.56 11.40 443.16 19.70 679.80 30.20 3.71
5 SM20 256.70 11.41 447.06 19.87 684.80 30.42 3.76

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5.16: Averaged strengths of class C-50 concrete specimens prepared with sand blended with marble waste powder

Average flexural
Average compressive strength
strength
S.No Code 3 days 7days 2 8days 28 days
Load Strength Load Strength Load Strength Strength

(kN) (N/mm2) (kN) (N/mm2) (kN) (N/mm2) (N/mm2)

1 SH0 608.8 26.92 847.93 37.68 1079.80 47.99 3.76
2 SH5 617.93 27.46 926.43 40.93 1032.80 50.33 3.60
3 SH10 692.57 30.78 905.57 40.76 1051.60 51.19 3.86
4 SH15 688.00 30.57 914.80 40.65 1115.40 49.55 3.89
5 SH20 690.96 30.70 905.40 40.23 1099.80 49.31 3.94

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5.3.3. Water Permeability

For assessing performance changes related with durability due to the addition of marble waste in cement and
sand in concrete production, water permeability test, of non steady, was conducted.

This non steady state permeability was selected to be conducted because of the large sample number in this
study and the long duration required to conduct steady state water permeability test on a sample .For
instance, in one experimental study, manometer reading were taken everyday successively for 24 hours to
eventually find out that the water flow has reached steady state after 7 days.

The test was conducted on normal concrete cubes of 150mm depth. The lower surface of the cubes were first
scraped and polished to remove the troweled surface and to smoothen any irregularities present which may
cause flow laterally. The cubes were then saturated in water before the test is started. Then the cubes were
transferred to the permeability rig and assembled.

Due to time constraint only single sample was tested for a group .Thus three samples of different kind were
tested simultaneously. Fig 5.2 shows the permeability apparatus with the test cubes assembled onto it. Once
the setup was ready, water was filled in to the reservoir of the test cells and pressure was applied to
specimen in succession described in section 2.3.1.3.1.1.2

Fig 5.2: Permeability apparatus with the test cubes assembled on it

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At the end of the 72 hour period, all the valves supplying water and compressed air to the specimens were
closed and the cubes were removed from the permeability rig and split.

Upon visual examination, the portion of the specimen into which water has penetrated appears darker than
the rest, and immediately after splitting this zone was marked and measured. To determine the average
depth of penetration wit h more accuracy, measurements were taken at 30 mm intervals.

5.3.3.1. Water Permeability of Concrete Specimens Prepared by Cement Blended with

Marble Waste Powder.

The detail test results are given on Appendix M. But for discussion, the average and maximum depth of
water penetration depths are shown below in Table 5.17.

Table 5.17: Water penetration depth of concrete specimens at 40 days age

Sample Concrete Penetrated depth(mm)

Code
no class Average maximum
1 CM0 C-25 22.4 30
2 CM5 C-25 22.8 29
3 CM10 C-25 24 27
4 CM15 C-25 19.4 28
5 CM20 C-25 20.4 28
6 CH0 C-50 5.2 9
7 CH5 C-50 3.6 5
8 CH10 C-50 5.6 10
9 CH15 C-50 8 11
10 CH20 C-50 10 13
11 SM0 C-25 22.4 30
12 SM5 C-25 10 12
13 SM10 C-25 8.6 12
14 SM15 C-25 8.0 12
15 SM20 C-25 8.6 11

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16 SH0 C-50 5.2 9

17 SH5 C-50 5.4 8
18 SH10 C-50 5.2 8
19 SH15 C-50 4.6 7
20 SH20 C-50 4 5

The permeability tests at 40 days age for concrete specimens of class C-25 case, with cement substituted by
marble waste powder, don‟t show much significance changes from the control specimen and among one
another; the changes are not also uniform for both the average and maximum depth of penetration probably
due to the early age of test taken due to time constraint for the thesis. However, the test results generally
show that all specimens with cement substituted by marble powder have no much significant depth
increment than the control one; rather water penetration depth reductions are recorded in most cases.

But in case of class C-50 specimens, water penetration depth increments are recorded with substitution of
the cement with marble waste powder except for 5% replacement range. This is due to the reduction of
cement amount that reduces the CHS(calcium hydro silicate) part which was responsible for reducing gel
pores .The exception for the 5% replacement range is may be due to the filling effects of certain micro size
particles of the marble powder which makes the paste more compact.

5.3.3.2. Water Permeability of Concrete Specimens Prepared by Sand Blended with Marble
Waste Powder.

In case of sand substitution, the changes of water penetration depths, in both C-25 and C-50 classes, are not
also uniform probably due to the early age of test. But generally in all specimens with marble powder, water
penetration depth reduction is recorded than the corresponding control specimen. This is due to the filler
effects of the powder in the gaps between the sand particles which gives compacted mortar paste than the
mortar paste in the corresponding control specimen.

Comparing the C-50 and C-25 classes, in both the cement and sand substitution cases, all the C-50 class
samples show lower water penetration depth than all class C-25 samples attributed to low w/cm ratio.

Comparing the cement substitution case with that of sand substitution case correspondingly( C-50 with C-50
& C-25 with C-25) ,the sand replacement show lower water depth penetration than the cement replacement

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case attributed to the better filler effect of the powder between the sand particles than between the cement
particles which results in more dense mortar paste.

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CHAPTER SIX
ECONOMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
6.1. Introduction

Recycling of industrial wastes has actually environmental, economical and technical benefits. These benefits
can be seen from two different angles, one from the point of the waste producer and the other from the user
part.

For the producer, the benefits of recycling industrial wastes are economical and environmental; for the user
additional technical benefits may be attained from recycling.

For the producer, the environmental benefit can be attained as far as the waste is recycled. It is independent of
where it is recycled. But the economical benefit is determined on the demand for the waste by different users.
The more users, the more demand will be; there by more economical benefit to the producer.

With respect to the user, recycling of industrial wastes will be environmentally beneficial as far as using the
waste reduces waste emitted during production of similar product from other raw alternative materials. The
economical benefit is assured if the cost of the waste material is cheaper than other alternative raw materials.
The technical benefit is also attained if the recycled input improves the quality of the output than the output
from other alternative material. Therefore it is necessary to see recycling of marble waste powder with respect
to both the producer and the user part.

6.2. For the Marble Waste Powder Producer

As it is mentioned in part 6.1, the producer of a waste will ensure environmental benefits as far as the waste is
recycled. It is also expected that it can get more economical benefits when there is more demand for the
waste.

Therefore, the use of marble waste in the construction industry undoubtedly will increase the demand for the
waste thereby benefits the producer both environmentally and economically.

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6.3. For the Construction Industry

6.3.1. Environmental Benefits

One of the greatest environmental concerns in construction industry is the production of cement which emits
large amount of CO2 gas to the atmosphere. It is estimated that 1 tone clinker production releases 1 tone CO2
[35].Mixing of clinker to supplementary materials called blending is considered as a very effective way to
reduce CO2 emission [42].

It is estimated that The Ethiopian Marble Processing Enterprise produces 1800m3 (4500 tons) marble waste
annually, which implies that using marble waste of The Ethiopian Marble Processing Enterprise as cement
replacing material can indirectly reduce CO2 emission to the atmosphere by 4500 tons annually.

Recycling marble waste powder in substitution of sand also indirectly can reduce environmental problem
related with sand production.

6.3.2 Economical Benefits

In this research work, detail cost break down and economical analysis was not worked out as the cost of
cement and sand depends on its user point location and also due to lack of necessary data and required
information; but to give insight for cost benefits, the average cost of cement, sand and selling price of marble
waste is presented below in Table 6.1.

Table 6.1: Average price of cement, sand and marble waste in Addis Ababa

Average Price
S.No Type of Material
(Birr)
1 Cement 250 per quintal
2 Sand 220 per m3
3 Marble waste 9 per quintal

The above figures clearly show that using of marble waste in replacement of cement or sand in Addis Ababa
can play cost reduction in concrete production.

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CHAPTER SEVEN
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
7.1. Conclusions

Construction industry by itself is a great concern related to environmental pollution and also related to
degradation of environment due to consumptions of large amount of non renewable natural resources.

Recycling of industrial wastes is one of the solutions given attention worldwide for environmental protection
and for economical and sustainable use of resources.

In this research, recycling of marble waste powder for the production of cement and concrete has been studied
and the following conclusions are made.

1. Marble waste powder from The Ethiopian Marble Processing Enterprise used for the study satisfies the
chemical standard requirement of EN 197-1 for production of Portland limestone cement; and natural
fineness of the marble waste is comparable with that of the fineness of modern cements to be used as filler.
2. Replacement of Ordinary Portland cement by marble waste powder at 5% replacement range gives
comparable compressive strength with that of 100% ordinary Portland cement. Replacement at 10%, 15%
and 20% replacement ranges result in compressive strength reduction than that of 100% Ordinary Portland
cement. However blended cements with 5 to 15% replacement ranges satisfy the standard of high early
strength of class 42.5MPa and blended cements at 20% replacement range satisfy the standard of high early
strength of class 32.5MPa as per the EN 197-1 standard.
3. Increasing percentage of addition of marble waste to Ordinary Portland cement results in general
compressive strength reduction than OPC. But other properties of marble waste blended cements such as
consistency, setting times, insoluble residue, sulphate residue and soundness remain within the acceptable
limits of different standards.

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4. The investigation revealed that replacing of cement with marble waste powder up to 20 % reduces the
slump of concrete mixes; whereas replacement of sand by marble waste powder up to 20% enhances the
slump of the concrete mixes.
5. In concrete production replacement of 5% cement by marble waste powder gives comparable compressive
and flexural strength as of marble waste free concrete specimens; but increasing the replacement range
beyond 5% results in strength reduction.
6. In concrete production, replacing of sand up to 20% by marble waste powder gives similar strength as of
concrete mixes with 100% sand both at early and latter ages.
7. The replacement of 5% cement by marble waste powder reduces water penetration depth in concrete
specimens; but increasing the replacement range beyond 5% increases water penetration depth of concrete
specimens.
8. The replacement of sand up 20% by marble waste powder reduces water penetration depth of concrete
specimens.
9. The study indicates that the marble waste can be incorporated in Portland limestone production.
10. The study indicates that the marble waste up to 20% can replace sand with performance improvement of
concrete strength and durability related with water permeability.

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7.2. Recommendations

Each region of the world should play role in environmental protection and sustainable use of natural
resources. Ethiopian construction industries also need to benefit from recycling of wastes as other countries
did.

Therefore based on the study the following recommendations are forwarded.

1. Marble waste from The Ethiopian Marble Processing Enterprise can substitute part of sand in concrete
production; But the current disposal methods of the waste by the enterprise is not comfortable for using it.
Therefore the Ethiopia Marble Enterprise should undergo investigation how and where to dispose it in such
a way that it will be easy for accessing the waste.
2. Marble waste from The Ethiopian Marble Processing Enterprise can be used in Portland Limestone cement
production and as 5% calcareous filler in OPC cement. But currently there is no cement factory which is
near to the marble processing factory which makes using this by product non feasible cost wise. However
in near future Mugher will complete its expansion factory which is 25km away from The Marble
Processing Factory. This distance is shorter compared to Mugher‟s raw material quarry which is 100km
far. Therefore the Enterprise should work with Mugher factory for further study and applications.
3. Currently in Ethiopia cement is delivered to the consumers in cement bags, but in future if cement delivery
to the consumers begin in bulk, the marble waste powder can be one alternative material to be used as
cement blending material to be directly applied by the consumer as their requirements.
4. In this research, only some basic study of using marble waste in cement and concrete production is
investigated; therefore, further investigations are required on the following areas.
Studies should be made by grinding marble waste powder together with cement using different
fineness and types of cements and with more percentage of marble waste replacement.
Detail study of durability of concrete made by marble waste blended cement or sand should be
made.

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REFERENCE

[1] National Council for Cement and Building Materials, Center for Cement Research and
Independent Testing, Waste Utilization, http://www.ncbindia.com/cRT17 may 09.pdf

[2] Characterization of Marble Powder for Use in Mortar and Concrete, http://www.4. uwm. edu
/cbu/abstracts/05-09.pdf

[3] Marble slurry dust (MSD) in roads and concrete work, http://www.gstf.in/download paper ofstf
2007.htmc

[4] Influence of Marble & Limestone Dust as Additives on Some Mechanical Properties of
Concrete, http://www.acedemicjournals.org/sre/pdf 202007/Binici20et/20al.pdf

[5] The use of Particle Packing Models to Design Ecological Concrete, http://heron.tudelft.
Nl/54- 23/5.pdf

[6] Dimensional Stone in Ethiopia, http://www.mome.gov.et/dimension.htm/

[7] Tom Heldal and Haileyesus Walle, Building-Stones of Ethiopia, 2002.

[8] Utilization of Granite and Marble Sawing Powder Wastes as Brick Materials, http://www.
ubm.ro /sites/CJEES/upload/2009-2/Dhanapandian.pdf

[9] Wendimu Gudissa, Study on the Use of Limestone Powder as Alternative Cement
Replacement Material, M.Sc Thesis, Addis Ababa University School of Graduate Studies, 2009

[10] M.S.Shetty,Concrete Technology Theory and Practice, 2008

[11] Portland Cement,en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portland-cement

[12] The Manufacturing of Portland cement, http:flyashbricksinfo.com/Portland cement.html

[13] Cements, http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/materials grp/cement.htm/

[14] Abebe Dinku, Construction Materials Laboratory Manual, Addis Ababa University
Printing Press, 2002.

[15] Cement, http://www.scribd.com/doc/39643059/

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[16] Concrete: Scientific Principles, www.matse 1.matse.illinois.edu/concrete/prin.html

[17] Utilizing Aggregates Characteristics to Minimize Cement Content in Portland Cement

Concrete–ICAR 401,http://www.icar.utexas.edu/reports/icar-401/ICAR-401-Final-
Report. pdf

[18] Pulverized CaCO3 (microfines) as Concrete Filler, http://www.nssga.org/pmdivision

/presentation0306/NSSGA-Tampa-8Mar06.pdf

[19] User‟s Guide to the Nist Virtual Cement & Concrete Testing, http://www.cement.
org/bookstore/ supporting/cd100/Refer.pdf

[20] Packing density: A Key Concept for Mix Design of High Performance Concrete,
http://www. hkpc.org/hkiemat/Prof Albert KWAN.pdf-Hong Kong

[21] Neville, A.M., Properties of Concrete, 4th Edition, Longman Group Limited, England, UK,
1995

[22] Ministry of Mines, Hard Mineral Sector of Ethiopia,www.mome.gov.et/dimension.html

[23] Marble Formation, Characteristics, and Application, http:\\www.physical geography.net

fundamental /109.htm

[24] What is Stone: Marble, http:www.flooring guide.com/how-to/stone/ss002-i.php3?

[25] Marble Stone, http://www.mineralzone.com/stones/marble.htm

[26] Limestone, http://www.gate-International.org/documents/publications/webdocs/

pdfs/g06sme.pdf

[27] Marble,http://.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/marble

[28] What are the Uses of Limestone, http//wiki.anwers.com/what are the use of limestone

[29] Ethiopian Marble Industry-Public Enterprise Profile,www.ppesa.gov.et/Public Enterprise

Profile.aspx

[30] Calcium Carbonate Fillers,www.cementdistribution.com/calcium-carbonate-fines-for-

sustainable-concrete.pdf

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Using Marble Waste Powder in Cement and Concrete Production MSc Thesis by Abrar Awol

[31] Portland-Limestone Cement: State-of-the-Art Report and Gap Analysis for CSA A 3000,
www.bcrmca.bc.ca/media/CSA/20A3000.pdf

[32] Portland Cement Concrete & Rheology and Workability,www.tthrc.gov/ pavement/ pccp/
pdfs/00025.pdf

[33] Properties of Plastic Concrete,www.faculty.kfupm.edu.sa/CE/

[34] Concrete Strength, www.logicsphere.com/products/firstmix/hlp/htm/stre1cis.htm

[35] Birhanu Bogale, Comparison of Concrete Durability as Produced by Various Cements

Manufactured in Ethiopia, M.Sc Thesis, Addis Ababa University School of Graduate Studies,
2007

[36] Concrete Basics/Portland Cement Association (PCA), www.cement.org /basics/concrete

basics

[37] Hakan Avsar, Control, Optimization and Monitoring of Portland cement (pc 42.5) Quality at
the Ball mill, M.Sc Thesis, Izmir Institute of Technology School of Graduate Studies, .2006,
www.library.iyte.edu.tr/tezler/master/kimyamuh/T000365pdf

[38] Sushi Kumar, Treasure of R.C.C.Desighns, 2009

[39] Industry and Environment on the Sustainability of the Concrete http://vmjohn.pcc.usp.Br

/Arquivos/On the Sustainability of the Concrete.pdf

[40] Literature Review Summary Increased Mineral Additions, http://www4.umw. edu/ cbu/
Papers/ 2003 20 CBU 20 Reports/REP-525-pdf

[41] Limestone Literature, http/www.ccaa.com.au/homepage/pdf

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APPENDIX-A

Test Results of Compressive Strength of Marble Waste Blended Cements

Dimensions of prism Test result at two days Test result at twenty

Mix code Specimen No (mm) eight days
Casting date Failure Compressive Failure Compressive
L W H
load(kN) strength(MPa) load(kN) strength(MPa)

1 11/07/10 160 40 40 39.92 24.95 82.20 51.31

2 11/07/10 160 40 40 42.69 26.68 82.77 51.73
MOPC 3 11/07/10 160 40 40 40.63 25.39 81.58 50.99
4 11/07/10 160 40 40 43.30 27.42 83.41 52.13
5 11/07/10 160 40 40 40.42 25.15 83.55 52.22
6 11/07/10 160 40 40 44.87 28.05 85.94 53.71
Average result 41.97 26.27 83.24 52.02
1 11/07/10 160 40 40 38.72 24.20 82.98 51.86
2 11/07/10 160 40 40 40.49 25.31 80.35 50.22
MP5 3 11/07/10 160 40 40 40.02 25.01 84.37 52.73
4 11/07/10 160 40 40 41.23 25.77 79.78 49.86
5 11/07/10 160 40 40 41.31 25.82 83.30 52.06
6 11/07/10 160 40 40 40.01 25.01 84.02 52.51
Average result 40.30 25.19 82.47 51.54
1 11/07/10 160 40 40 34.57 21.61 74.48 46.55
2 11/07/10 160 40 40 37.95 23.72 76.40 47.75
MP10 3 11/07/10 160 40 40 36.24 22.65 73.49 45.93
4 11/07/10 160 40 40 37.33 23.33 76.86 48.04
5 11/07/10 160 40 40 37.58 23.49 68.94 43.09
6 11/07/10 160 40 40 38.18 24.18 70.34 43.96
Average result 36.98 23.16 73.42 45.89

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1 11/07/10 160 40 40 34.06 21.29 73.62 46.01

2 11/07/10 160 40 40 32.15 20.09 75.14 46.96
MP15 3 11/07/10 160 40 40 33.65 21.03 72.19 45.12
4 11/07/10 160 40 40 33.00 20.59 71.49 44.68
5 11/07/10 160 40 40 36.14 22.59 72.69 45.43
6 11/07/10 160 40 40 34.45 21.53 71.76 44.85
Average result 33.90 21.19 72.82 45.51
1 14/07/10 160 40 40 30.45 19.03 48.72 37.48
2 14/07/10 160 40 40 29.06 18.16 59.58 37.24
MP20 3 14/07/10 160 40 40 30.52 19.08 62.53 39.08
4 14/07/10 160 40 40 32.03 20.02 62.00 38.75
5 14/07/10 160 40 40 30.15 18.84 61.87 38.67
6 14/07/10 160 40 40 30.55 19.10 62.14 38.84
Average result 30.46 19.04 59.47 38.34
1 12/07/10 160 40 40 40.61 25.38 73.60 46.00
2 12/07/10 160 40 40 40.95 25.59 76.88 48.05
MLP5 3 12/07/10 160 40 40 40.65 25.41 81.95 51.22
4 12/07/10 160 40 40 41.20 25.75 82.85 51.78
5 12/07/10 160 40 40 41.41 25.88 81.65 51.03
6 12/07/10 160 40 40 38.02 24.02 81.22 50.76
Average result 40.47 25.34 79.69 49.81
1 12/07/10 160 40 40 39.43 24.65 75.09 46.93
2 12/07/10 160 40 40 40.20 25.12 76.72 47.95
MLP10 3 12/07/10 160 40 40 40.98 25.61 78.21 48.88
4 12/07/10 160 40 40 40.24 25.24 72.05 45.03
5 12/07/10 160 40 40 40.82 25.51 78.21 48.88
6 12/07/10 160 40 40 40.79 25.49 73.57 45.98
Average result 40.41 25.27 75.64 47.28

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1 12/07/10 160 40 40 35.12 21.95 75.17 46.98

2 12/07/10 160 40 40 35.47 22.17 69.57 43.48
MLP15 3 12/07/10 160 40 40 35.10 21.90 73.42 45.89
4 12/07/10 160 40 40 35.42 22.14 71.22 44.51
5 12/07/10 160 40 40 37.17 23.23 72.45 45.28
6 12/07/10 160 40 40 34.57 21.61 71.65 44.78
Average result 35.48 22.17 72.25 45.15
1 12/07/10 160 40 40 33.29 20.81 70.14 43.84
2 12/07/10 160 40 40 33.09 20.68 66.27 41.42
MLP20 3 12/07/10 160 40 40 32.47 20.29 71.44 44.65
4 12/07/10 160 40 40 33.82 21.14 71.02 44.39
5 12/07/10 160 40 40 34.01 21.26 69.41 43.38
6 12/07/10 160 40 40 33.63 21.02 69.25 43.28
Average result 33.39 20.87 69.59 43.49

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APPENDIX-B

Test Results of Flexural Strength of Marble Waste Blended Cements

Dimensions of prism Test result at Two days Test result at Twenty

Mix code Specimen No (mm) eight days
Casting date Failure Flexural Failure Flexural
L W H
load(kN) strength(MPa) load(kN) strength(MPa)
1 11/07/10 160 40 40 2.16 5.07 3.59 8.41
MOPC
2 11/07/10 160 40 40 2.23 5.24 3.5 8.70
3 11/07/10 160 40 40 2.16 5.05 3.5 8.80
Average result 2.18 5.12 3.53 8.64
1 11/07/10 160 40 40 1.90 4.45 3.15 7.37
MP5
2 11/07/10 160 40 40 2.12 4.97 3.6 8.20
3 11/07/10 160 40 40 1.97 4.62 3.21 7.65
Average result 1.99 4.68 3.32 7.74
1 11/07/10 160 40 40 1.94 4.56 3.22 7.55
MP10
2 11/07/10 160 40 40 1.84 4.31 3.00 7.30
3 11/07/10 160 40 40 1.80 4.22 3.00 7.00
Average result 1.86 4.36 3.07 7.28
1 11/07/10 160 40 40 1.94 4.55 3.21 7.51
MP15
2 11/07/10 160 40 40 1.73 4.06 2.88 6.74
3 11/07/10 160 40 40 1.86 4.36 3.00 7.24
Average result 1.84 4.32 3.03 7.16
1 14/07/10 160 40 40 1.62 3.80 2.59 6.3
MP20
2 14/07/10 160 40 40 1.79 4.17 3.02 6.7
3 14/07/10 160 40 40 1.73 4.04 2.87 6.47
Average result
1.71 4.00 2.83 6.49

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1 12/07/10 160 40 40 2.07 4.86 3.44 8.06

MLP5
2 12/07/10 160 40 40 2.07 4.84 3.51 7.98
3 12/07/10 160 40 40 1.93 4.51 3.01 7.34
Average result 2.02 4.74 3.32 7.79
1 12/07/10 160 40 40 1.91 4.47 3.16 7.41
MLP10
2 12/07/10 160 40 40 2.02 4.74 3.33 7.96
3 12/07/10 160 40 40 1.92 4.51 3.23 7.58
Average result 1.95 4.57 3.24 7.65
1 12/07/10 160 40 40 1.83 4.28 3.07 7.23
MLP15
2 12/07/10 160 40 40 1.93 4.53 3.16 7.46
3 12/07/10 160 40 40 1.88 4.40 3.18 7.36
Average result 1.88 4.40 3.14 7.35
1 12/07/10 160 40 40 1.73 4.06 2.83 6.33
MLP20
2 12/07/10 160 40 40 1.79 4.21 2.97 7.12
3 12/07/10 160 40 40 1.63 3.82 2.69 6.45
Average result 1.72 4.03 2.82 6.63

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APPENDIX-C

Three Days Compressive Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Cement Blended With Marble Waste Powder

Dimensions of prism Weight Test result at three days

Mix code Specimen No (mm)
Casting date (g)
Failure Compressive
L W H
load(kN) strength(MPa)
1 15/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7563.5 236.6 10.52
CM0
2 15/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.0 7506.5 248.8 11.06
3 15/09/10 150.2 150.2 152.3 7952.5 256.3 11.06
Average result 247.23 10.88
1 15/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7459.0 201.4 8.95
CM5
2 15/09/10 150.2 150.6 150.4 8060.0 234.1 10.40
3 15/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.0 7463.0 220.0 9.80
Average result 218.5 9.71
1 17/09/10 150.1 150.0 149.0 7570.5 206.1 9.16
CM10
2 17/09/10 149.0 150.0 150.0 7293.5 196.4 8.73
3 17/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.0 7358.0 194.0 8.62
Average result 198.8 8.83
1 17/09/10 150.2 150.5 153.0 7535.5 192.6 8.56
CM15
2 17/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7386.5 190.4 8.46
3 17/09/10 150.0 150.1 148.0 7307.5 191.6 8.52
Average result 191.53 8.51
1 20/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.0 7253.0 189.6 8.43
CM20
2 20/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7239.0 176.0 7.82
3 20/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.1 7252.0 174.3 7.75
Average result
179.9 8.00

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1 21/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7452.0 600.9 26.31

CH0 2 21/09/10 151.0 150.0 150.0 7469.0 614.9 27.33
3 21/09/10 151.0 150.0 150.2 7311.0 610.7 27.14
Average result 608.8 26.93
1 21/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.0 7437.0 601.6 26.72
CH5
2 21/09/10 151.0 150.0 150.0 7490.0 584.0 25.95
3 21/09/10 151.0 150.0 150.2 7363.0 602.1 26.76
Average result 595.9 26.48
1 23/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7330.0 517.90 23.01
CH10
2 23/09/10 149.0 150.0 150.2 7482.0 506.30 22.50
3 23/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7255.0 525.40 23.35
Average result 516.53 22.95
1 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7436.0 514.3 22.86
CH15
2 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7489.0 500.9 22.26
3 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7599.0 495.3 22.01
Average result 503.5 22.38
1 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7475.0 485.1 21.56
CH20
2 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7608.0 428.8 19.06
3 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7476.0 483.6 21.49
Average result
465.83 20.70

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APPENDIX-D

Seven Days Compressive Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Cement Blended With Marble Waste Powder

Dimensions of prism Weight Test result at seven days

Mix code Specimen No (mm)
Casting date (g)
Failure Compressive
L W H
load(kN) strength(MPa)
1 15/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.2 7492.0 427.2 18.98
CM0
2 15/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7473.0 418.6 18.60
3 15/09/10 150.0 150.2 152.3 7467.0 416.1 18.49
Average result 420.63 18.69
1 15/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.2 7502.0 383.4 17.04
CM5
2 15/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7314.0 388.8 17.28
3 15/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.1 7456.0 387.3 17.21
Average result 386.5 17.17
1 17/09/10 150.1 150.1 150.0 7269.0 351.4 15.61
CM10
2 17/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.0 7470.0 346.0 15.38
3 17/09/10 150.3 150.4 150.4 7895.0 342.0 15.20
.0
Average result 346.4 15.39
1 17/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.0 7410.0 306.7 13.63
CM15
2 17/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.0 7265.0 339.1 15.07
3 17/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.0 7347.0 337.4 14.99
Average result 327.7 4.56
1 20/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7361.0 262.0 11.62
CM20
2 20/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7251.0 246.3 10.95
3 20/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7349.0 251.1 11.11
Average result
253.1 11.22

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1 21/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7438.0 853.8 37.95

CH0 2 21/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7411.0 834.2 37.07
3 21/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7518.0 855.8 38.03
Average result 847.9 37.68
1 21/09/10 150.3 150.2 150.3 7956.0 869.10 38.63
CH5
2 21/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7541.0 814.50 36.20
3 21/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.1 7597.0 804.0 35.74
Average result 829.2 36.85
1 23/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7437.0 806.10 35.83
CH10
2 23/09/10 150.0 150.3 150.3 7538.0 636.4 28.28
3 23/09/10 150.3 150.0 150.0 7510.0 756.10 33.60
Average result 732.87 32.57
1 22/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.0 8040.0 687.9 30.57
CH15
2 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7530.0 719.2 31.97
3 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7516.0 702.2 31.21
Average result 703.1 31.25
1 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7479.0 733.6 32.60
CH20
2 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7657.0 719.4 31.97
3 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7599.0 626.3 27.84
Average result
465.83 30.80

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APPENDIX-E

Twenty Eight Days Compressive Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Cement Blended With Marble Waste
Powder

Dimensions of prism Weight Test result at twenty eight

Mix code Specimen No (mm) days
Casting date (g)
Failure Compressive
L W H
load(kN) strength(MPa)
1 15/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.0 7463.0 635.7 28.25
CM0
2 15/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.0 7375.0 680.4 30.24
3 15/09/10 150.0 150.2 152.0 7952.0 636.7 28.30
Average result 650.9 28.93
1 15/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.3 7369.0 637.6 28.34
CM5
2 15/09/10 150.3 150.3 150.4 7867.0 629.3 27.97
3 15/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.2 7437.0 655.0 29.11
Average result 640.6 28.47
1 17/09/10 150.3 150.3 150.4 7771.0 546.7 24.30
CM10
2 17/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.3 7333.0 531.5 23.62
3 17/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.3 7435.0 573.9 25.51
Average result 550.7 24.48
1 17/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7325.0 543.5 24.15
CM15
2 17/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.2 7436.0 540.1 24.00
3 17/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7302.0 547.6 24.34
Average result 543.7 24.16
1 20/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.1 7356.0 437.1 19.43
CM20
2 20/09/10 150.1 150.0 150.1 7251.0 447.0 19.87
3 20/09/10 150.2 150.1 150.0 7400.0 442.9 19.68
Average result
442.0 19.66

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1 21/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7427.0 1123.8 49.95

CH0 2 21/09/10 150.2 150.0 150.1 7439.0 1139.8 50.65
3 21/09/10 150.2 150.0 150.2 7509.0 976.0 43.38
Average result 1079.8 47.99
1 21/09/10 150.0 150.0 151.0 7479.0 1097.2 48.76
CH5
2 21/09/10 150.0 150.0 152.0 7558.0 1085.6 48.24
3 21/09/10 150.0 150.0 151.0 7441.0 1103.1 49.02
Average result 1095.3 48.67
1 23/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.1 7575.0 1015.0 45.11
CH10
2 23/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.2 7660.0 878.0 39.02
3 23/09/10 150.3 150.0 150.1 7568.0 1043.7 46.39
Average result 978.9 43.5
1 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7356.0 969.9 43.10
CH15
2 22/09/10 150.3 150.1 150.1 7251.0 860.9 38.26
3 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7400.0 971.5 43.17
Average result 934.1 41.51
1 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.3 7470.0 960.7 42.45
CH20
2 22/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7515.0 925.7 41.14
3 22/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.2 7502.0 830.3 36.90
Average result
905.5 40.16

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APPENDIX-F

Three Days Compressive Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Sand Blended With Marble Waste Powder

Dimensions of prism Weight Test result at three days

Mix code Specimen No (mm)
Casting date (g)
Failure Compressive
L W H
load(kN) strength(MPa)
1 15/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7563.5 236.6 10.52
SM0
2 15/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.0 7506.5 248.8 11.06
3 15/09/10 150.2 150.2 150.2 7952.5 256.3 11.06
Average result 247.2 10.88
1 28/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7552.0 258.7 11.50
SM5
2 28/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7852.0 250.9 11.50
3 28/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7367.0 248.3 11.04
Average result 259.23 11.54
1 29/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7552.0 258.7 11.50
SM10
2 29/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7852.0 250.9 11.50
3 29/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7367.0 248.3 11.04
Average result 252.63 11.35
1 30/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.1 7429.0 256.0 11.37
SM15
2 30/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7290.0 255.4 11.35
3 30/09/10 150.0 149.0 150.2 7357.0 258.3 11.48
Average result 256.5 11.40
1 30/09/10 149.0 150.0 149.0 7484.0 254.0 11.29
SM20
2 30/09/10 149.0 150.0 150.0 7436.0 255.8 11.37
3 30/09/10 150.0 150.0 149.0 7480.0 260.3 11.57
Average result
256.7 11.41

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1 21/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7452.0 600.9 26.31

SH0 2 21/09/10 151.0 150.0 150.0 7469.0 614.9 27.33
3 21/09/10 150.1 150.0 150.0 7311.0 610.7 27.14
Average result 608.83 26.93
1 01/10/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7339.0 620.5 27.57
SH5
2 01/10/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7337.0 600.3 26.68
3 01/10/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7442.0 633.0 28.13
Average result 617.93 27.46
1 01/10/10 150.0 150.0 150.1 7642.0 689 30.62
SH10
2 01/10/10 150.0 150.0 150.1 7644.0 696.5 30.96
3 01/10/10 150.0 149.0 150.0 7571.0 692.2 30.76
Average result 692.57 30.78
1 02/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7563.5 680.3 30.23
SH15
2 02/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.0 7506.5 693.4 30.81
3 02/09/10 150.2 150.2 150.2 7952.5 690.3 30.67
Average result 688.0 30.57
1 02/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.2 7492.0 690.30 30.67
SH20
2 02/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7473.0 691.30 30.72
3 02/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7467.0 691.30 30.72
Average result
690.96 30.70

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APPENDIX-G

Seven Days Compressive Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Sand Blended With Marble Waste Powder

Dimensions of prism Weight Test result at seven days

Mix code Specimen No (mm)
Casting date (g)
Failure Compressive
L W H
load(kN) strength(MPa)
1 15/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.2 7492.0 427.2 18.98
SM0
2 15/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7473.0 418.6 18.60
3 15/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7467.0 416.1 18.49
Average result 420.63 18.69
1 28/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7450.0 427.0 18.98
SM5
2 28/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7402.0 434.6 19.31
3 28/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7301.0 430.5 19.13
Average result 430.7 19.14
1 29/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7422 445.1 19.78
SM10
2 29/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7450 419.8 18.66
3 29/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.4 7651 434.2 19.33
Average result 433.0 19.26
1 30/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.2 7523.0 421.5 18.74
SM15
2 30/09/10 150.3 150.3 150.4 8034.0 455.8 20.26
3 30/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.2 7725.0 452.2 20.10
Average result 443.1 19.7
1 30/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.1 7538.0 452.2 20.10
SM20
2 30/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.1 7413.0 403.7 17.94
3 30/09/10 150.1 150.2 150.3 7970.0 485.3 21.57
Average result
447.06 19.87

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1 21/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7438.0 853.8 37.95

SH0 2 21/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7411.0 834.2 37.07
3 21/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7518.0 855.8 38.03
Average result 847.93 37.68
1 01/10/10 150.0 150.1 150.2 7553.0 955.30 42.21
SH5
2 01/10/10 150.0 150.2 150.3 7479.0 930.70 41.12
3 01/10/10 150.0 150.1 150.2 7170.0 893.30 39.47
Average result 926.43 40.93
1 01/10/10 150.0 150.0 150.3 7470.0 960.7 42.45
SH10
2 01/10/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7515.0 925.7 41.14
3 01/10/10 150.0 150.1 150.2 7502.0 830.3 36.90
Average result 905.5 40.16
1 02/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.0 8106.0 913.8 40.61
SH15
2 02/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7657.0 901.5 40.07
3 02/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7636.0 929.1 41.28
Average result 914.80 40.65
1 02/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7665.0 919.3 40.86
SH20
2 02/09/10 150.3 150.3 150.5 8233.0 863.0 38.35
3 02/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7721.0 933.90 41.50
Average result
905.40 40.23

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APPENDIX-H

Twenty Eight Days Compressive Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Sand Blended With Marble Waste
Powder

Dimensions of prism Weight Test result at twenty eight

Mix code Specimen No (mm) days
Casting date (g)
Failure Compressive
L W H
load(kN) strength(MPa)
1 15/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.0 7463.0 635.7 28.25
SM0
2 15/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.0 7375.0 680.4 30.24
3 15/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.0 7952.0 636.7 28.30
Average result 650.9 28.93
1 28/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7416.0 664.3 29.52
SM5
2 28/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.3 7393.0 663.3 29.47
3 28/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.2 7507.0 668.9 29.72
Average result 665.5 29.57
1 29/09/10 150.1 150.2 150.3 7548.0 654.3 29.07
SM10
2 29/09/10 150.0 150.1 150.2 7685.0 673.3 29.91
3 29/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.3 7676.0 668.9 29.72
Average result 665.50 29.57
1 30/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.1 7593.0 677.2 30.08
SM15
2 30/09/10 150.2 150.0 150.1 7438.0 673.3 29.91
3 30/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.2 7668.0 688.9 30.60
Average result 679.8 30.20
1 30/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.1 7351.0 670.2 29.77
SM20
2 30/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7438.0 694.3 30.84
3 30/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.2 7473.0 689.9 30.65
Average result
684.8 30.42

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1 21/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7427.0 1123.8 49.95

SH0 2 21/09/10 150.2 150.0 150.1 7439.0 1139.8 50.65
3 21/09/10 150.2 150.0 150.2 7509.0 976.0 43.38
Average result 1079.8 47.99
1 01/10/10 150.0 150.0 150.3 7697.0 1173.2 52.13
SH5
2 01/10/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7739.0 1045.5 46.44
3 01/10/10 150.0 150.3 150.5 8203.0 1127.6 50.09
Average result 1115.4 49.55
1 01/10/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7737.0 1213 53.90
SH10
2 01/10/10 150.0 150.3 150.3 7892.0 1118 49.72
3 01/10/10 150.0 150.1 150.2 7693.0 1124 49.96
Average result 1151.6 51.19
1 02/09/10 150.2 150.0 150.2 7539.0 1130.3 50.22
SH15
2 02/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7373.0 1123.8 49.93
3 02/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.3 7299.0 1144.3 50.84
Average result 1132.8 50.33
1 02/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.1 7755.0 1105.2 49.10
SH20
2 02/09/10 150.0 150.2 150.0 7803.0 1142.2 50.76
3 02/09/10 150.0 150.0 150.2 7803.0 1052.1 48.09
Average result
1099.8 49.31

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Appendix I

Twenty Eight Days Flexural Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Cement Blended
With Marble Waste Powder

Dimensions
No P M I C
Code (cm)
[kN] [N.m] [M4] [cm] [MPa]
L B D
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.64 455.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.73
CM0
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.79 474.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.85
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.05 507.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.04
Mean 2.87
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.64 455.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.73
CM5
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.74 468.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.81
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.64 455.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.73
Mean 2.76
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.33 416.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.49
CM10
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.12 390.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.34
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.43 429.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.57
Mean 2.47
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.27 409.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.46
CM15
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.12 390.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.34
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.12 390.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.34
Mean 2.38
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 2.65 331.00 8.33E-06 5.00 1.99
CM20
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.54 442.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.65
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.33 416.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.49
Mean 2.38
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.99 624.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.74
CH0
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.94 617.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.71
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.09 637.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.82
Mean 3.76

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1 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.85 481.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.89

CH5
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.41 676.00 8.33E-06 5.00 4.06
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.25 656.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.94
Mean 3.63
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.43 429.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.57
CH10
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.68 585.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.11
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.94 617.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.71
Mean 3.13
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.63 578.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.47
CH15
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.37 546.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.28
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.26 533.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.19
Mean 3.31
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.10 513.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.81
CH20
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.95 494.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.96
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.99 624.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.74
Mean 3.50

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APPENDIX J

Twenty Eight Days Flexural Strength of Concrete Specimens Prepared By Sand Blended With
Marble Waste Powder

Dimensions
No P M I C
Code (cm)
[kN] [N.m] [M4] [cm] [MPa]
L B D
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.64 455.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.73
SM0
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 3.79 474.00 8.33E-06 5.00 2.85
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.06 507.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.04
Mean 2.87
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.73 592.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.55
SM5
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.89 611.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.67
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.73 592.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.55
Mean 3.59
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.73 605.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.55
SM10
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.84 624.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.63
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.99 644.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.74
Mean 3.64
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.15 618.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.86
SM15
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.94 592.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.71
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.73 637.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.56
Mean 3.71
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.10 605.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.82
SM20
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.84 637.00 8.33E-06 5.00 3.63
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.10 8.33E-06 5.00 3.82
Mean 624.00 3.76
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.99 618.00 8.3E-06 5.00 3.74
SH0
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.94 8.3E-06 5.00 3.71
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.10 637.00
598.00 8.3E-06 5.00 3.82
Mean 3.76

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1 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.78 598.00 8.3E-06 5.00 3.59

SH5
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.78 598.00 8.3E-06 5.00 3.59
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.84 605.00 8.3E-06 5.00 3.63
Mean 3.60
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.10 637.00 8.3E-06 5.00 3.82
SH10
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.04 631.00 8.3E-06 5.00 3.78
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.30 663.00 8.3E-06 5.00 3.99
Mean 3.86
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.36 669.00 8.3E-06 5.00 4.02
SH15
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 4.99 624.00 8.3E-06 5.00 3.74
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.20 650.00 8.3E-06 5.00 3.90
Mean 3.89
1 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.10 669.00 8.3E-06 5.00 3.82
SH20
2 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.36 637.00 8.3E-06 5.00 4.02
3 50.00 10.00 10.00 5.30 669.00 8.3E-06 5.00 3.98
Mean 3.94

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APPENDIX-K

Water Penetration Depth of Concrete Specimens, at Forty Days Testing Age

Code Class D1(mm) D2(mm) D3(mm) D4(mm) D5(mm) Average(mm) Dmax(mm)

CM0=SM0 C-25 30 15 26 19 22 22.4 30
CM5 C-25 29 24 20 28 13 22.8 29
CM10 C-25 27 27 26 14 26 24.0 27
CM15 C-25 17 18 28 15 17 19.4 28
CM20 C-25 24 13 28 19 18 20.4 28
CH0=SH0 C-50 5 2 9 6 4 5.2 9
CH5 C-50 4 3 5 3 3 3.6 5
CH10 C-50 10 4 6 3 5 5.6 10
CH15 C-50 8 5 11 6 10 8.0 11
CH 20 C-50 13 4 12 9 12 10.0 13
SM0=CM0 C-25 30 15 26 19 22 22.4 30
SM5 C-25 10 3 16 9 12 10.0 12
SM10 C-25 10 5 12 4 12 8.6 12
SM15 C-25 12 7 8 7 6 8.0 12
SM 20 C-25 8 6 11 9 9 8.6 11
SH0=CH0 C-50 5 2 9 6 4 5.2 9
SH 5 C-50 5 4 7 8 3 5.4 8
SH10 C-50 5 5 7 8 1 5.2 `8
SH15 C-50 5 7 5 3 3 4.6 7
SH20 C-50 4 5 5 3 3 4.0 5

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APPENDIX-L

Photo Attachments

Photo 1: Batching and blending of marble waste powder with cement

Photo 2: Batching and blending of marble waste powder with sand

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Photo 3: Mixing of concrete

Photo 4: Slump measurement

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Photo 5: Placing of concrete into mold

Photo 6: Concrete specimens after casting

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Photo 7: Concrete specimens in curing pond

Photo 8: Concrete specimens arranged for test

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Photo 9: Concrete specimen on compressive strength testing machine

Photo 10: Concrete specimen during flexural strength test

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Photo 11: Water permeability testing apparatus

Photo 12: Arranging concrete specimens for water permeability test

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DECLARATION

This thesis is a result of my original work and it has not been presented for a degree programme in any
other university. Furthermore, all sources of material used for the thesis have been duly acknowledged.

Candidate

Name______________________

Signature___________________

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SIGNED DECLARATION SHEET

Submitted by

Student Signature Date

Approved by

1.

Advisor Signature Date

2.

Chairperson, Dept’s Signature Date

Graduate Committee

3.

Chairperson, Faculty’s Signature Date

Graduate Committee

4.

Dean, Graduate School Signature Date

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