Characterization of marble powder waste and evaluation of its applicability in mortars

Natural stone materials used for ornamental and cladding purposes, defined by the Brazilian standard ABNT as naturally occurring rock substances processed for aesthetic applications, play a significant role in civil construction by contributing to both the durability and visual appeal of buildings. However, the processing of these stones produces waste that can lead to considerable environmental impacts. This study explores the potential reuse of waste generated during the cutting of marble slabs as a component in mortar formulations. Physical, chemical, and mineralogical characterizations of the waste were carried out, along with mechanical and physical testing of mortar specimens. The findings reveal that mortar incorporating 20% of marble residue as a fine aggregate replacement exhibited improved compressive strength compared to the control mix. Chemically, the residue resembles conventional raw materials, and its mineralogical profile is dominated by calcite and dolomite—common constituents of carbonate rocks. These results support the technical feasibility of incorporating marble cutting waste into masonry mortar, offering a sustainable strategy for waste valorization in the ornamental stone industry.