Mechanical properties and microstructural analysis of cement mortar incorporating marble powder as partial replacement of cement

• Utilization of marble powder as replacement of cement is main objective of the study.
• Use of 10% marble powder improves workability, without adversely affecting strength.
• Marble powder has no effect on expansion and setting characteristics.
• Large levels of cement replacement leads to delayed hydration of the mix.

Waste marble powder is an inert material obtained from the sawing and procession operations of marble stone. The main objective of the research work is to investigate the possibility of utilizing marble powder as partial replacement of cement. The setting behavior, soundness and flowability characteristics of cement pastes made by partially replacing cement with marble powder are studied. Along with this, strength development and micro-structural properties of cement modified with marble powder are investigated. XRD analysis is also performed on the mixes. The results of the study indicate that up to 10% of marble powder can be used as replacement of cement with no compromise on the technical characteristics of the mix. However, large levels of replacement leads to delayed hydration of the mix and porous microstructure. Results indicate that difference in chemical composition between marble dust and cement have not adversely affected the expansion and setting characteristics of the resultant mix.