Production of plaster mortar with incorporation of granite cutting wastes

Abstract This work investigates the use of granite cutting waste as a partial substitute for cement and fine aggregate in the production of plaster mortars. In Brazil, as well as in other countries, there are granite mining and cutting industries that generate waste, which is disposed and can affect the environment. In the city of Estância (SE), Brazil, this waste can be used to improve the properties of plaster mortars produced by a local company. Besides the environmental benefits, the reuse of granite waste is technically feasible and economically advantageous. The mortars were produced using Portland cement CP II F - 32 RS, kaolin, local river sand and water. The residues used were characterized in terms of specific mass, unit mass and chemical composition. They were used in volume of 1: 2: 6, with water/cement ratio fixed at 1.70. Mortar with conventional composition was also produced and used as reference. Mortars in the fresh state were tested for consistency index and apparent density, while flexural strength, compressive strength, apparent density and water absorption were determined for the dried material. The results of the mechanical strength of mortars in which the sand was replaced by granite wastes were higher than the reference values, mainly when 20% substitution, while the other properties analysed did not present significant changes. It was concluded that granite residue improves the mortar properties and can substitute cement and river sand to produce plastering mortar. This result brings a contribution to the reduction of the environmental impact and production costs.