Properties of masonry blocks produced with waste limestone sawdust and glass powder

Large amounts of waste accumulate in every year in all countries which have been running limestone quarries. The majority of waste limestone sawdust (WLS) or dust is abandoned, and causes certain serious problems such as environmental problems and health hazards. This study has been conducted through basic experimental research in order to analyze the usage possibilities of WLS for producing masonry blocks. Two types of masonry blocks are produced for this study. The. first type of masonry blocks includes WLS and a small amount of Portland cement. The second type of masonry blocks is composed of WLS with a small amount of Portland cement, and waste glass powder (WGP) at various proportions. The compressive strength and rupture modulus of all masonry blocks are greater than 24.9 MPa and 3.94 MPa, respectively. Compressive strength and rupture modulus' values in the WLS masonry blocks with WGP are higher than those of control masonry block without WGP. Preliminary results show WLS with and without WGP can be used for the production of moulded masonry blocks with acceptable mechanical and physical properties. The data obtained from the first stage of this study show that there is a great potential for the utilization of WLS and WGP in masonry blocks. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.