Abstract
The granite industry produces a nuisance waste called granite powder. In its bulk state, it poses a threat to people and the environment. The main objective of this article is to determine whether waste granite powder would be safely used in cement-lime plasters. Initially, the best-predicted percentage of the additive in the finished plaster mortar was taken and was in the range of 5-10 %. A reference test was also performed to compare the results. Subsequently, the prepared samples were subjected to test the fresh mix properties and the evaluation of the cured composition. In the final stage, the analysis of the results showed that the 10 % addition of granite powder resulted in a significant improvement in the strength parameters of the mortar. Particularly noteworthy is the improvement in the pull-off strength parameter for silka substrates, which is the superior parameter tested in plasters. In conclusion, it was observed that the addition of waste granite powder improves the mechanical properties of cement-lime plasters. The use of granite powder in the production of cement-lime materials will reduce the amount of material deposited in landfills. It will also reduce the percentage of cement in the mixes, while maintaining the same or even better parameters, leading in the long run to a reduction in CO2 emissions by the cement industry. This solution is definitely beneficial to the environment and human health, and it is also economical.
