Experimental analysis on partial replacement of fine aggregate by granite dust in concrete

Abstract

River sand is the natural fine aggregate used in concrete, extraction of which leads to loss of water retaining sand strata, disturbance in aquatic life, deepening of river mouth and adverse effect on agriculture due to lowering of the underground water table. Granite dust is one of the substitutes which are easily available in various parts of world as it is formed from all granite cutting industries. It is a residue by-product produced during the cutting, sawing and grinding process of stones, disposal of which cause serious environmental hazards. Hence from socio-economic concern, granite dust can be utilized in construction applications due to its appearance and particle size distribution nearly similar to natural aggregates. In this research work, experimental analysis of physical, mechanical properties of granite dust replaced concrete and bond strength was conducted. Sand was replaced by mass fractions of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40% with granite dust. The study reflected that replacement of sand by granite dust up to 20% showed better strength than conventional concrete. The comparison study of bond strength with and without replacement of granite dust using different diameters of TMT bars was carried out. The experimental values of bond strength were compared with BIS: 8110-1 (1997) and IS: 456 (2000) from which it was found that granite dust replaced concrete with optimum percentage replacement had better bond with concrete than the conventional mix.