Environmental and technical assessment on the application of slate waste in Portland-composite cement CEM II
Abstract
Large volumes of waste are generated from the manufacture of slabs, roofing, and tiles using slate stone. The use of waste in the construction industry is prevalent due to the environmental advantages associated with the implementation of circular economy standards. This paper examines the production of Portland cement CEM II using heat-treated slate waste. The fineness index results were 10.95 % for the 75-mu m sieve and 23.53 % for the 45-mu m sieve. Assessment of reactivity using mechanical methods showed that mortars produced with 20 % slate waste (SW) achieved a strength of 42.35 MPa and a mechanical index of 84.93 %. Direct measurement (FTIR), along with chemical methods (Frattini Test and Saturated lime test), confirm the pozzolanic activity of the slate waste. The environmental impact assessment demonstrated a reduction in the carbon dioxide emission rate by 21.49 % (6.54E+02 kgCO2-eq/t) with the use of Portland cement CEM II/CSW. The valorization of slate waste can contribute to the availability of an alternative source of raw material and the reduction of natural resource consumption. However, further studies on mechanical performance and durability are necessary for this waste to be applied in structural cementitious matrices.
