CHARACTERIZATION STUDY OF NATURAL SAND, QUARRY DUST, WASTE PLASTIC (LDPE) TO BE USED AS A FINE AGGREGATE IN CONCRETE

The scope of this study is to enhance the industry understanding the sustainable utilization of quarry dust, and to identify any gaps in current knowledge. The term sustainable utilization implies the use of quarry dust to their full potential to meet the needs of the present, while at the same time conserving natural resources and finding ways to minimize the environmental impacts associated both with quarry fines production and use. The addition of fine quarry dust with ldpe as waste plastic in concrete resulted in improved matrix densification compared to conventional concrete. Matrix densification has been studied qualitatively through petro graphical examination using digital optical microscopy. The materials were studied using XRD, SEM, E-DAX for natural sand, quarry dust and waste LDPE. This research has been motivated by the economic and environmental concerns over the disposal of wastes with the costs of traditional engineering materials.