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.