Experimental Studies on Controlled Low Strength Material Using Stone Dust and EPS Beads

Abstract—In India, aggregate crusher unit produces enormous quantities of stone dust, a by-product produced during crushing of stone. Stacking or disposal of such large quantities of stone dust in environmental friendly manner is a serious concern for developing countries like India. Efforts are underway to utilise stone dust in civil engineering construction industries so that minimizing the threat caused to environment in the direction of sustainable development. This paper pertain the results of the compressive strength experimental study carried out on controlled low strength material (CLSM) prepared using stone dust and expanded polystyrene beads (EPS). The experiments were conducted by adding EPS beads with different mix proportions with respect to the weight of stone dust. The mix ratio percentages used in the present study are 0.033, 0.099, and 0.165. The density of EPS beads used is 22 kg/m3. Cubical specimen of size 70 mm ？ 70 mm ？ 70 mm was used for evaluating the compressive strength of CLSM for curing periods of 7 and 14 days. The results indicate that the compressive strength of CLSM significantly influenced by the curing period and mix ratios. For a particular mix ratio value, compressive strength of CLSM increased with increasing curing period and for particular curing period days it decreased with increasing mix ratios. The weight of CLSM is decreased with increasing mix ratios. The results indicate that CLSM with acceptable strength is attainable using stone dust and EPS beads.