Recent research led by Raksiri Sukkarak from the Department of Teacher Training in Civil Engineering at King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok has unveiled a promising application for stone dust, a by-product of stone aggregate processing. Traditionally considered waste and often dumped in landfills, stone dust is now being repurposed as a sustainable enhancement material for cement gravel (CG) columns, which are essential in ground improvement for foundation engineering. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also offers significant commercial benefits for the construction sector.
The study, published in ‘Case Studies in Construction Materials’, highlights how integrating stone dust into CG columns can enhance their mechanical properties while promoting sustainability. Sukkarak and his team conducted a series of experiments with fifteen different mixture designs, assessing the impact of stone dust at various percentages—5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%—on the physical and engineering properties of cemented gravel samples over 7 and 28 days.
The findings were striking. The compressive strength of CG material improved with the addition of stone dust, peaking at an optimal 10% content, which is particularly relevant for low-to-medium load-bearing construction projects. “Our results demonstrate that incorporating stone dust not only improves the mechanical performance of CG columns but also meets the hydraulic conductivity requirements of porous concrete,” Sukkarak stated, emphasizing the dual benefits of this material.
The research also revealed that the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of CG samples containing 10%-20% cement content ranged from 12 to 83 ksc, making them suitable for various construction applications. The study’s use of advanced analyses—such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD)—confirmed the integration of stone dust within CG particles, further validating its effectiveness.
The implications of this research extend beyond just technical performance. By utilizing stone dust, the construction industry can significantly reduce waste generation and align with circular economy principles, which are increasingly becoming a priority for sustainable development. “This approach not only enhances the properties of construction materials but also contributes to environmental sustainability, which is crucial for the future of our industry,” Sukkarak added.
As the construction sector continues to grapple with sustainability challenges, the incorporation of stone dust presents a viable solution that could reshape material usage and waste management practices. With the potential to improve both the performance and environmental footprint of construction materials, this research sets a precedent for future innovations in geotechnical engineering.
For more insights into this groundbreaking study, visit King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok.
