Partial replacement of cement with granular marble residue: effects on the properties of cement pastes and reduction of CO2 emission

The effects of CP V Portland cement replacement with granular marble residues were investigated. The physical–chemical properties of the starting materials and of the pastes were characterized by XRD, XRF, TG/DTA, SEM and granulometric analyses. Axial compressive strength, apparent density, capillary and total capacity of water absorption of the hardened pastes with 0, 10, 20 and 30% replacements, aged for 28 days, were characterized. The results indicated that the partial replacement by the marble residue did not affect the cement hydration but provided packaging improvements and some filler action. The reduction of CO2 emission was estimated as 0.28 million tons per year due to replacement of 10% CP V Portland cement with the marble residue. The results indicated that this is an alternative means to reduce the CO2 emissions in the cement industry and to reuse marble residues that otherwise could be inadequately disposed.