Recycling of dimension limestone industry waste in concrete

Extractive and mining operations are one of the largest waste producing streams in the world. In general, mining operation is accompanied with the production of stone and slurry wastes. Such wastes occupy large land near the mining area and the fine slurry particles cause bronchial, vision and skin disorders in the nearby inhabitants. Present study examines the suitability of using dimension limestone waste as fine aggregate in concrete. Twenty-six concrete mixes were examined by replacing river sand fine aggregate with crushed sand, slurry and manufactured sand (MS). Test results indicated that MS formulated by blending crushed solid stone waste (85%) and slurry (15%) can be used as fine aggregate in concrete. Concrete cast with MS demonstrated superior strength and reduced bleeding, permeability and void formation within the concrete. The use of MS will contribute to bulk utilisation of waste as it can completely replace river sand in concrete, hence, promoting sustainable development in the region by consuming both types of stone waste in significant quantities.