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Abstract
Granite polishing and cutting industries in Tamilnadu, and its surrounding areas are dumping their powder waste on vacant lands causing pollution and affecting the health of the people. Although the reutilization of granite wastes has been practiced, the amount of wastes reused in that way is still negligible. Therefore, the need for its application in other industries is becoming absolutely vital. The main objective of this study is to experimentally investigate the suitability of granite powder (GP) waste as a substitute material for fine/natural aggregate in concrete production. The physical and chemical characterization of the granite powder was tested at National Testing House at Chennai, Tamilnadu. The GP waste showed a very high specific surface value of about 340kg/m2 and the results of chemical analysis showed that the GP by-product contains about 72.14% of soluble silica. Several tests such as slum0p cone, split tensile strength, flexural strength; and compressive strength tests were performed on cubes and cylinders were prepared by 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%and 25% of fine/natural aggregate substituted by GP waste. Experimental results revealed that, rough texture and high specific area of the GP waste significantly decreased the workability of the concrete and the substitution of GP waste up to 15% does not affect the mechanical and fresh concrete properties.