Ravi Goutam and Yuvraj Singh
Abstract
The need to address the worldwide demand for the preservation of limited resources has prompted the exploration of alternate materials. The application of waste materials in the concrete sector is experiencing a growing trend due to its potential to mitigate costs and minimize environmental repercussions. This study aims to assess the appropriateness of utilizing waste materials from granite and Kota stone for the production of interlocking concrete paver blocks (ICPB). The current study examines the potential use of waste materials from granite and Kota stone as substitutes for natural aggregates in the production of concrete interlocking paving blocks. The focus is on applications that cater to pedestrians and non-traffic scenarios. Concrete blocks of M30-grade were cast for this study. The replacement percentages were ranged from 0% to 100% for Kota stone as coarse aggregates and from 0% to 40% for granite waste as fine aggregates and total of 543 samples were cast using the replacement level. The mix proportion ratio used was 1:1.57:2.76 (cement: sand: aggregates) while continuing a constant water-cement ratio of 0.45. Weathered Kota stone waste (0, 25, 50, 75, 100%) was also used as anauxiliary for coarse aggregates in M30-grade concrete. The tests conducted covered the physical characterization of the constituent materials, determination of compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, abrasion resistance, and water absorption tendency for both hardened concrete blocks and I-shaped interlocking pavers. The result indicates that while using stone waste (granite and Kota stone), the required compressive strength was achieved up to a replacement level of 100% Kota stone and 5% granite waste. Flexural strength and splitting tensile strength were also satisfactory at all replacement ratios, along with normal water absorption and minimum abrasion. Paver blocks were also cast from waste stones at various replacement levels. In this study, concrete blocks were also cast using weathered Kota stone waste, which also provided sufficient strength at some level of replacement. The findings suggest that waste stone may be a viable option for manufacturing interlocking pavers, contributing to the development of an environmentally conscious and sustainable pavement infrastructure.