Reuse of stone working enterprise slurry in geopolymer and concrete products

Purpose is to assess influence by fine stone working refuse (FSWR) on physicomechanical characteristics of geopolymer and concrete materials for future development of efficient methods of the FSWR reuse. Methods. Geopolymer mixtures and concrete samples differing in FSWR proportions were applied for the research. Mechanical compression testing was performed with the samples, which helped assess influence by different number of FSWR on material strength. Totally, 16 polymer and 18 concrete samples were prepared. Findings. The research has analyzed the possibility of FSWR application while manufacturing concrete and geopolymer materials to reuse industrial waste, and mitigate its environmental impact. The research is intended to identify FSWR effect on physicomechanical characteristics of materials, and develop techniques for their reuse. FSWR addition loses geopolymer strength: if content is 25% then strength is 20 MPa; if the content is 50% then strength drops down to 5.3 MPa. As for concrete, partial sand replacement by FSWR decreases strength insignificantly (from 37.42 to 36.6 MPa if FSWR content is 20%). Geopolymers with 25% of FSWR are suitable for low-load structures; in turn, concrete mixtures containing FSWR can be applied without significant strength decrease. Originality. . For the first time, optimal fine refuse concentration of strong natural stone from Zhytomyr Region has been identified. The concentration is up to 25%. It provides acceptable compression strength with no significant decrease in technical characteristics. Practical implications are as follows. Compliance with optimal FSWR proportions in composition of geopolymer and concrete mixtures makes it possible to reduce cost of raw materials; decrease FSWR amount; and support the closed economy principles in the construction industry.