An Engineered Production Formula for Enhanced Artificial Stone Utilizing Stone Cutting Slurry and a Superplasticizer

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of utilizing some of the local industrial waste (stone cutting wastewater and marble) in manufacturing artificial stone and enhancing its quality, with the addition of a superplasticizer (liquefier). The paper reviews the previous work and presents new experimental work. Artificial stone samples were casted according to two starting formulas obtained from local production facilities. Later on, an engineered production formula was developed and tested, based on product quality. The investigated experimental parameters included: compressive strength, water absorption, and workability of fresh concrete. The experimental results indicated that high compressive strength and a low water absorption for artificial stone is technically feasible. In term of the compressive strength of artificial stone the marble dust contributed better than limestone wastewater.