Waste Marble Valorisation in 3D Cementitious Materials Printing (2023-09)¶

3D cementitious-materials printing (3DPCC) are very challenging in the fresh state, where pumpability, extrudability, and buildability should co-exist. The mix design must meet those requirements. The high dosages of fine powder materials needing on 3DPCC is a concern, namely, in a long-term perspective. Using locally available SCM is a key factor in saving energy, reducing cost, and decreasing CO2 emissions from the production of 3DPCC, particularly the valorisation of industrial wastes, such as marble powder waste from the ornamental stone industry in the Alentejo region. The current work evaluated the incorporation of marble-powder in 3DPCC as partial cement replacement, from 0 to 30%. For higher replacement ratios, marble powder incorporation reduced the mechanical strength of 3DPCC and extra dosage of superplasticiser was needed to ensure acceptable slump. Still, the reached properties were adequate and marble powder a can be a viable technological alternative, as a mineral addition, in the 3DPCC elements production.