Rock Mechanics
Jagdish Lohar; Neha Shrivastava
Abstract
India is a leading producer and exporter of dimensional marble. The processing of marble into dimensional and finished forms involves sawing, grinding, and polishing, generating significant quantities of Marble Processing Waste (MPW). Efforts for bulk recycling of MPW from the rapidly expanding marble ...
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India is a leading producer and exporter of dimensional marble. The processing of marble into dimensional and finished forms involves sawing, grinding, and polishing, generating significant quantities of Marble Processing Waste (MPW). Efforts for bulk recycling of MPW from the rapidly expanding marble industry are essential due to significant environmental impacts, hindered by limited inclusion rates and complex processing requirements in current practices. Concurrently, the increased demand for geotechnical fill materials and the depletion of natural soils necessitates sustainable alternatives. Using MPW in geotechnical fills offers a viable solution, yet it lacks comprehensive characterization. The aim of this study is to evaluate MPW as a sustainable alternative to conventional geotechnical fill materials. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of MPW's physical, geotechnical, and electrochemical properties, along with its mineralogical, elemental, and chemical composition, was conducted. The findings show that MPW, being non-plastic and non-swelling with a grain size distribution and hydraulic conductivity similar to silty sands, can be used directly from disposal sites without further processing. Notably, MPW achieves a maximum dry density of 1.84 g/cm³ and exhibits internal friction angles of 36.5°, ensuring stability. Electrochemical analysis indicates low leachability risks, with pH levels of 8.1 and electrical resistivity of 6,200 ohm-cm. Scanning Electron Microscopy images reveal that MPW particles are irregular, with considerable angularity and surface roughness. These results position MPW as a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fill materials, with the potential to significantly reduce the exploitation of natural resources and advance sustainable waste management practices.
