In the state of Ceara, in the Cariri region, a laminated limestone rock, commercially known as Cariri stone, is explored intensively. The exploration and processing of the Cariri stone generates a large amount of waste. One of the types of waste generated is the sawing dust from the cutting process of the Cariri stone, known as Cariri stone sawing dust (CSSD). The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of using CSSD as partial replacement of cement, by mass, in the production of conventional concrete. The chemical and physical characteristics of the CSSD were determined, as well as the influence of CSSD on the mechanical properties of concrete (compressive strength and splitting tensile strength) and durability parameters (absorption rate and capillary suction). Nine concrete mixtures were produced with varying w/c ratios (0.45, 0.55, 0.65) and cement replacement levels (0%, 10% and 20%). The results showed that the use of CSSD reduces the parameters of the mechanical properties of concrete. However, no significant influence was found regarding the durability parameters. These results point to the unfeasibility of the use of CSSD in concrete. In general, from a technical point of view, CSSD does not provide satisfactory results for its use in concrete.
Cariri Stone Sawing Dust; Recycling; Concrete; Mechanical Properties; Durability
