PSI - Issue 70

R. Ashwathi et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 70 (2025) 698–705

699

1. Introduction The need to meet the growing demand of infrastructure and attaining sustainability are the dual challenges faced in the construction sector (Kenai et al., 2024). The widespread application of concrete is driven by its versatility and durability. Throughout history, concrete has stood as an indispensable material irrespective of time and demand (Mohanraj et al., 2023). The structural integrity of concrete is achieved through its binding ability which is facilitated by cement, to ensure the strength and cohesion between the materials (Afzal Basha et al., 2023). Manufacturing of cement is highly an energy intensive process, and has a significant contribution towards CO 2 emission and global climatic condition. Irrespective of upgraded technologies like decarbonisation and carbon capturing, the cement industry contributes to around 6% of global CO 2 emission (Ruiz-Sánchez M.; Rozalen, M., 2019). The challenging environment creates a need for a paradigm shift towards sustainable construction materials to attain the triple bottom line of sustainability (Sahu, 2016). This practice promotes a way towards reduction of carbon footprint, minimizing of waste disposal and promotes a circular economy (K.M et al., 2025; Loganathan et al. 2022). In such context, identifying the appropriate supplementary cementitious material has become a global quest among the stakeholders and researchers (Ashish, 2019). The global Indian Market was valued at USD 4.02 billion by 2024 and it is estimated to reach USD 6.21 billion by 2030. The thriving ambience, hospitality and tourism sectors is one of the major reasons for the growing market (Martins Jorge; Rosa, Alexandra; Pedro, D., 2014). The advancement in the technology has made the manufacturing process more efficient and cost effective (Singh Kailash; Srivastava, Anshuman; Sangwan, Kuldip Singh; Bhunia, Dipendu, 2017). There it generates substantial quantity of waste during different stages of manufacturing like mining, cutting, polishing either in the form of slurry or powder (Afzal Basha et al., 2023; Ashish, 2019). These waste causes environmental pollution when disposed into landfill (Knoeri Esther; Althaus, Hans-Joerg, 2013; Oza et al., 2022). However, when it is utilized in making concrete, it reduces the waste disposal and also causes a way towards circular economy (Batstone James E. Jr.; Wilson, David, 1989). Marble waste which is rich in calcium carbonate often featuring the interlocking calcite and dolomite crystals, possess adequate pozzolanic behaviour, making it as an appropriate supplementary material for cement (Shah Shashank, 2015). Its finer particle size makes the microscopic structure denser by filling the micro voids with reduced porosity (Ruiz-Sánchez M.; Rozalen, M., 2019). Hence partially replacing cement by marble powder serves as one of the effective mitigation measures to enhance the performance and sustainability (Afzal Basha et al., 2023), (Oza et al., 2022). To understand the research trends, terminological focus and the domains associated with the utilization of marble powder in concrete, a word cloud generated is shown in the Fig. 1. The visualization reaffirms the alignment of the research with scientific priorities. This strengthens the relevance and originality of the present investigation.

Fig.1. Word Cloud The research aims at identifying the mechanical properties and durability properties of concrete while determining the optimal percentage of replacement of marble powder into the mix. The investigation focuses on maximizing the technical and environmental benefits including enhancement of strength performance, longevity of the structure, reduction of waste disposal and greenhouse gas emission.