Investigation of the usability of waste marbles in the Tokat region as fine aggregate in concrete paving blocks

As in many developed countries, recycling is an important factor in our country. Recycling of waste materials occurring in factories contributes to the economy and plays a positive role in preventing environmental pollution. Marbles have a large place in artistic fields and article making as well as in the construction industry. It is used in the interior and exterior cladding of buildings, kitchen, bathroom, stair floors and in the production of concrete as a concrete aggregate and in various building elements. In this study, the usability of the waste marbles from marble processing plants in Tokat province as fine aggregates in concrete paving blocks has been examined. In this context, the required experiments were conducted on aggregates used in traditional concrete paving blocks and waste marble aggregates. With these two aggregate groups, control mixtures were prepared using natural aggregates firstly. Later, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the waste marble was replaced as fine aggregate and concrete paving blocks were produced. Both for the control group and the mixture groups with waste marbles, the results obtained were examined in terms of size and appearance, strenght, water absorption rate, abrasion resistance and freeze/thaw resistance. According to the results, it has been determined that these wastes can be used in concrete paving blocks up to 50%.