I am civil and environmental engineering student at the University of Zambia (UNZA). For my final year research project, i am undertaking a research study on the economic viability of using quarry dust as road construction material in my country Zambia. In a bid to achieve this, i have decided to conduct a cost benefit analysis.
Your input in whatever capacity will help with providing more information and thus a better understanding.
Quarry dust is a waste material that is generated during quarrying activities. This material degrades the quality of neighborhood due to landfill requirements, and causes air pollution. Therefore, attempts are underway to utilize this material as partial replacement for fine aggregates. This material being cheaper than fine sand, reduces the overall cost of construction, and helps conserve the depleting natural sand deposits. An investigation suggests that replacement of fine aggregates by 40% quarry dust result in strength higher than conventional concrete. However, more research is required to arrive at an optimum dosage. Remember that quarry dust is finer than sand, thus cannot be used as 100% replacement as it might lead to large particle size differences between coarse and fine particles.
Another material that could be utilized as fine aggregates is M-sand.
Go through the shared link for further details:
Article Study on Compressive Strength of Quarry Dust as Fine Aggrega...
Quarry dust might be used as mineral filler in asphalt mixtures. But the benefit/cost analisis might be done and maximized as possible. The cost might be the price of the asphalt mixes ingredients and the benefit might be the stability value. You may use different levels of quarry dust and compare their benefit cost at the same boundary conditions.
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