Sustainable use of marble slurry in concrete

The Portland cement manufacturing process is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of natural resources. The partial substitution of cement by industrial waste such as fly ash, silica fume, slag, stone waste etc. not only contributes to sustainable development, but also enhances the durability of concrete. Among the different wastes investigated in the past, the effect of marble slurry on durability of concrete has not been studied. Cutting, grinding and polishing manoeuvres in marble processing plants generate a large amount of slurry, which adversely affects the environment and humans. The present study examines the feasibility of using marble slurry in concrete production, as partial replacement of Portland cement. Six concrete mixes, containing marble slurry (up to 25%) in place of Portland cement were prepared and evaluated for strength, permeability, porosity, morphology, resistance to chloride migration, carbonation and corrosion. Optimal replacement level of Portland cement by marble slurry was found at 10%.