An Experimental Study on Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate As a Quarry Dust In Concrete

Abstract

Concrete is the most widely used construction material today. The constituents of concrete are coarse aggregate, fine aggregate binding material and water. Rapid increase in construction activities leads to acute shortage of conventional construction materials. It is conventional that sand is being used as fine aggregate in concrete. For the past some years, the escalation in cost of sand due to administrative restrictions in India, demands comparatively greater cost at around two to three times the cost of quarry dust even in places where river sand is available nearby. To achieve economy, it is proposed to study with the use of crusher powder, a quarry waste as an alternative material to replace sand by crusher powder. There was a remarkable increase in compressive strength of concrete with 20% replacement of sand with manufactured sand. 40% replacement is possible and 50% replacement gave higher strength. Quarry dust fine aggregate decreased the compressive strength due to deficient grading and excessive flakiness. The w/c ratio and slump value increased with the replacement of sand, Voids present in quarry dust mortar were lesser as compared to that of sand hence higher compressive strength. A comparatively good strength is expected when sand is replaced partially or fully with or without concrete admixtures.