Effect of granite dust on the performance charactristics of kernelrazzo floor finish: Fid-Bau Portal

Effect of granite dust on the performance charactristics of kernelrazzo floor finish

Ayangade, J.A. / Olusola, K.O. / Ikpo, I.J. / Ata, O.

AbstractThis study is part of an on-going research on the durability performance of kernelrazzo, a type of terrazzo floor finish. It investigated the effect of partial replacement of the coarse aggregate with granite dust on the compressive strength, water absorption capacity and density of kernelrazzo. Two mix ratios (1:3 and 1:4), varying aggregate replacements of marble chipping with burnt palm kernel shells amounting to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%, varying percentage replacements of all coarse aggregates with granite dust amounting to 0%, 10%, 30% and 50% were used. Cost comparisons were also made. Test results showed that the compressive strength of kernelrazzo increases up to a maximum of 30% coarse aggregate replacement by granite dust for both mixes for 0–50% replacement of marble chippings with palm kernel shells. For 75–100% marble chippings replacement, the compressive strength increases with increasing amount of granite dust. The water absorption capacity and density (upto 30% of granite dust) decrease and increase, respectively, with increase in percentage of granite dust. The cost of kernelrazo decreases with increase in the percentage of replacement of coarse aggregates with granite dust, except for 100% marble chipping replacement. It was recommended that to produce a good kernelrazzo floor finish in terms of strength, durability, density, water absorption capacity and cost, the overall coarse aggregate should not contain more than 50% of palm kernel shells for 1:4 and 1:3 mix ratios with a maximum of 30% aggregate replacement with granite dust.