In a significant advancement for the construction industry, researchers have explored the potential of quarry dust powder as a sustainable alternative to silica sand in engineered cementitious composites (ECC). This innovative approach, led by Mareena George from the Amrita School of Engineering and the Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology, aims to address both environmental concerns and economic challenges associated with traditional concrete materials.
Engineered cementitious composites are renowned for their remarkable ductility and resistance to cracking, making them an appealing choice for structural applications. However, the high costs of silica sand and the limited availability of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibres have restricted their broader implementation. “By integrating quarry dust powder, we not only reduce the dependency on costly materials but also tackle the waste disposal problem associated with quarry dust,” George explained. This byproduct, often seen as a nuisance in the sand manufacturing process, can now be repurposed, turning an environmental challenge into a resource.
The study conducted by George and her team utilized quarry dust powder with a particle size of less than 150 micrometers, substituting 5%, 10%, and 15% of the total weight of the ECC mix. The research employed ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) to statistically analyze the effectiveness of these substitutions. The hybridization of fibres—using a combination of PVA with polypropylene and steel fibres—was also explored, with varying water-binder ratios to optimize the mix.
The findings revealed that a mix containing 10% quarry dust powder, a 50-50 combination of PVA and polypropylene fibres, and a water-binder ratio of 0.3 yielded the best performance in terms of density, compressive strength, and flexural strength. “Our results indicate that quarry dust can effectively enhance the mechanical properties of ECC, making it a viable option for structural repair applications,” George noted.
This research not only paves the way for more sustainable construction practices but also has significant commercial implications. By reducing material costs and improving the performance of ECC, construction companies can adopt more environmentally friendly practices without compromising on quality. The ability to utilize a waste product like quarry dust could lead to substantial cost savings, making high-performance materials more accessible to a wider range of projects.
Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making in material selection. The use of response surface plots and ANOVA models provides a clear framework for understanding the interactions between different variables, which can guide future research and development in the field of ECC.
As the construction industry increasingly shifts towards sustainability, this research, published in ‘Materials Research Express’ (translated as ‘Materials Research Express’), stands as a testament to the innovative solutions being sought to address both economic and environmental challenges. The implications of this work could resonate throughout the industry, encouraging further exploration into alternative materials and practices that promote sustainability.
For more information about the research and the affiliations of the lead author, visit lead_author_affiliation.
