Marble Powder and Steel Fiber's Effect on Concrete Strength

Abstract

Normally, concrete is composed of cement, coarse aggregate and fine aggregate. Analysis of concrete strength gain was evaluated using the marble powder and steel fiber and post peak behavior of concrete was studied. Marble powder is obtained as a by-product during the processing of stone in marble factories. By utilizing this by product as an additive in concrete we can resolve the problems of land degradation, water sources contamination and pollution etc. During the course of study, a concrete of ratio 1:2:4 was prepared with a water cement ratio of 0.5. Sixty numbers of batches were prepared with 0, 5,10,15,20 % marble by weight of cement and 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3% steel fiber as per weight of cement. Samples were then tested for slump test and compressive test. Said samples were also checked for their post peak behavior. Results obtained were three combinations were having highest strength. These combinations are 0% of marble powder and 0.2% of steel fiber with 4793 psi, 5% of marble powder and 0.1% of steel fiber with 4793 psi and 10% of marble powder and 0% of steel fiber with 4618 psi. Slump test of the same sample was 1.75-2 inches. The results of this study suggest that up to a maximum of 10% marble powder and up to 0.1% of steel fiber can be used.