Investigating use of dimensional limestone slurry waste as fine aggregate in mortar

In recent years, construction industry has seen huge demand for non-renewable materials such as stones, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, etc., resulting in exponential growth in mining operation. In parallel to this, the quarrying of dimensional stone generates vast amount of waste in both solid and powder forms. Sustainable disposal of these wastes has emerged as a big challenge around the globe. The present research focusses on minimizing the environmental pollution which is often due to unplanned disposal of slurry waste generated during the cutting process. To carry out this study, eleven mortar mixes were prepared with dimension limestone slurry waste as a replacement of fine aggregate. These mixes were tested for their workability, porosity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, dynamic modulus of elasticity, water absorption, compressive strength, flexural strength and adhesive strength. The behavior of internal structure of mortar matrix was evaluated on selected mixes by TGA, FTIR, SEM and MIP techniques. Tests results revealed that up to 40 percent replacement of fine aggregate with dimensional limestone slurry improved strength and sustained necessary rheological parameters of mortar mixes. Results of microstructure studies substantiate these improvements.