Viability analysis of the partial replacement on natural sand by stone powder and consequences in concrete resistance

Grit, also called artificial or crushing sand, can be an option for the production to Portland cement concrete. Considering the progressive scarcity, the high cost of resources such as natural sands and the environmental impacts of their extraction. This work intends to analyze the feasibility of exchanging natural sand for crushing sand from the region located in Rio de Janeiro. In order to quantify the possible portion for this replacement, three experimental mixeswere performed in the laboratory, where rupture and axial compression were verified.Concrete mixes were produced with different percentages of stone dust (0%, 50% and 100%). After tests, was possible conclude that by increasing the amount of crushing sand, the water retention increases in the concrete, allowing the addition of more water in the mix, within standardized levels. The compressive strength also increases, as the crushing sand, in granulometry properties, fills better the interstitial spaces of the concrete.