Experimental Study on Spent Garnets for Fine Grain Aggregate a Partial Substitution in Cement Based Mortars: Validation of Preliminary Research

Abstract:

The current experimental study aims to confirm some critical conclusions of the preliminary research regarding the possibilities of valorizing the residue material generated the Abrasive Water Jet (AWJ) procedures for industrial material processing, namely the Spent Garnets (SG), by innovatively integrating them in cement-based materials (mortar and concrete) and further on, in construction-eco products (paving pre-cast units, road construction, concrete for structural or non-structural elements, etc.). The use of SG wastes is considered as partial substitution of fine aggregates (sand) in cementitious materials, simultaneously offering the possibility of reducing the use and exploitation of aggregate, as limited natural resource. The methodology consists in developing a regular mortar mix, the Reference (R), on which several substitution percentages were applied with respect to the natural sand quantity, by Spent Garnets (SGs) provided by local producers. The substitution percentages initially ranged from 10 to 50% with respect to the Reference mix, as specified by recent, international studies, and they were also used in the preliminary evaluation, as well. Further on, the relevant substitution percentages were established as 30% and 50% values, and the corresponding mortar mixes were realized. The specific comparative analysis was performed in terms of mechanical performance at early age (7-day mechanical strengths) and also at 28 days. The obtained results are validating the initial results, proving the consistency of the previous conclusions and encouraging the use of SG wastes in cement-based construction materials. Complementary studies are further on considered and prepared, focused on using SGs as aggregate partial replacement in pavement eco-blocks, due to their high demand on the construction market.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 1035)
• Pages: 145-159
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-EWqS9b
• Online since: December 2025
• Authors: Ana Cristina Vasile*, Cornelia Baeră, Aurelian Gruin, Ion Aurel Perianu, Iasmina Kasandra Petrisor, Alexandru Ion
• Keywords: Aggregate Substitution, Circular Economy (CE), Construction Eco-Products, Innovative Material Design, Recycling, Spent Garnet (SG) Wastes, Waste Management

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