Using Granite Siftings for Producing Vibro-Pressed Fine-Grained Concrete

Using stone crushing waste products allows more rational and complex use of mineral resources and increases the ecological safety level of quarry works and production of stone materials. This paper focuses on an experimental investigation of the composition effect of vibro-pressed fine-grained concrete incorporating granite siftings on compression and flexural strength. Analysis of regression equations, obtained using mathematical experiments planning, shows that dust particles included in the siftings can behave as micro-filler. This is especially the case at low cement-water ratios therefore yielding an increase in concrete strength. The positive effect of the dust fraction in siftings decreases as the cement-water ratio and the fineness modulus of sand that is a part of the aggregate become higher. The hardening kinetics of vibro-pressed concrete with granite siftings is analyzed. The results of the present study may be used for preliminary assessment of granite sifting efficiency as aggregates in vibro-pressed concrete and design of their optimal compositions.