Utilization of limestone dust for artificial stone production: an experimental approach

An experimental approach to develop a new building product consisting mainly of limestone dust, which is considered as waste or by product material of aggregates industry and a small quantity of ordinary Portland cement, is presented. Limestone dust and cement were mixed, humidified and compacted under high pressure in a cylindrical mould, to form specimens. The design of the trial mixtures was based on factorial design method. Results indicated that all specimens have compressive strength greater than 7 MPa, while cement-to-limestone dust ratio was recognized as the most important factor with the regard to compressive strength. Preliminary results showed that quarry dust-cement mixtures can be used for the production of moulded masonry bricks with acceptable mechanical properties. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.