Effects of incorporation of waste from cutting marble and granite as coarse partial aggregate in concrete

The growing need for aggregates due to the growth of industrial production has led to a decrease in available resources. The marble and granite cutting industry generates a large volume of waste and in recent years the use of these in buildings has increased. Thus, with the expansion of production in marble factories, the amount of waste cannot be stored and it becomes necessary to reuse these wastes, especially in the manufacture of concrete products for construction purposes. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the physical and mechanical performance of concrete with the replacement of coarse aggregate by residues from the process of cutting marble and granite. A study of the dosage and molding of the specimens in the dimensions of 10 cm x 20 cm was carried out, with replacement of the coarse aggregate (crushed 9.5 mm) by levels of 40% and 60% of marble and granite residues (RMG), being evaluated the properties of the concrete through the tests of Strength to Simple Compression, Strength to Traction by Diametric Compression and Determination of Water Absorption. The results allowed us to conclude that the replacement of conventional coarse aggregate by marble and granite residues increased the compressive strength of 9.68% and 11.42% and the tensile strength of 6.20% and 7.02 % for 40% and 60% RMG, respectively. A slight increase in water absorption was observed, being, therefore, indicated for use as an alternative aggregate for use in concrete.