Full Factorial Design of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Eco-mortars Containing Waste Marble Powder

Converting demolition and industrial waste into secondary raw materials is one of the priorities of the environmental policy and the circular economy strategies to date. Waste marble powder (MP) is one of these industrial wastes, characterized by high pollution and low recycling rate. This study analyzes the effect of partial MP replacement of cement on the physical and mechanical behavior of eco-efficient mortars using the general full factorial design method. Thus, the MP content of the binder and the Blaine fineness (BSS) of MP was chosen as the main variable influencing factors. Compressive strength (CS) and water absorption (WA) were taken as responses. The MP (mass%) replacement levels were set at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by mass, and the BSS were kept at 472.5 m(2)/kg, 496.5 m(2)/kg, and 539.0 m(2)/kg. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on the test results to analyze the significance of the effect factors and their interactions on the selected responses. The results of the study show that the effect variables significantly affect the responses. In addition, good interactions between the effect factors on the responses were observed, more particularly on CS. The results support recycling MP as mineral addition (with a maximum rate of 8 mass% and fineness of 480 m(2)/kg). It is appropriate to manufacture eco-binder or eco-cement since it significantly reduces the disposal hazards. In addition, the mathematical models developed yielded efficient prediction equations for CS and WA taking into account the MP contents and MP particle size.