PSI - Issue 70

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

702

4.1. Compressive strength Test The ability to withstand the load before failure is assessed by the compressive strength test. This needs to be evaluated to ensure the integrity and durability of structures (Sahu, 2016). The compressive strength of concrete with different mixes of marble powder is shown in the Fig. 5.a. The graph gradually inclines till 20% at various ages of curing. This indicates that the marble powder enhances the hydration reaction and fills the micro voids to make the matrix denser (Mishra Abhishek; Maheshwari, Prateek; Chouhan, Abhishek; Suresh, Swathi; Das, Shaktinath, 2013). Beyond 20%, it is observed that the increase in the percentage of marble causes dilution of cementitious compounds and results in the reduction of bond strength. The resistance against tensile forces is assessed through split tensile strength test (Ali, 2014; Hameed A. S. S., 2009). The split tensile strength of concrete with different mixes of marble powder at various ages of curing is shown in the Fig. 5.b. The strength increases significantly at different curing periods till 20% of replacement. The finer size of marble powder fills the micro voids and enhances the bonding between cement particles and provides resistance against crack propagation (Afzal Basha et al., 2023). Beyond the limit, it loses adhesion and makes the cement paste weaker. 4.3. Flexural Strength Test The resistance against bending and failure under various loading conditions is evaluated through flexural strength tests (Ali, 2014; Wang et al., 2022). It is crucial to ensure the durability and performance of the structure (Ravikumar et al., 2024). The flexural strength of concrete with different mixes of marble powder at various ages of curing is shown in the Fig. 5.c. The significant increase is observed in the graph till 20%, due to the ability to resist bending stress. The early strength gain depicts the early hydration in the matrix (Kenai et al., 2024). The increase in percentage of marble powder lacks in the binding ability and causes cracking in a structure (Mishra Abhishek; Maheshwari, Prateek; Chouhan, Abhishek; Suresh, Swathi; Das, Shaktinath, 2013). 4.2. Split Tensile Strength Test

Fig. 5.a Compressive Strength Test

Fig. 5.b. Split Tensile Strength Test

Fig. 5.c. Flexural Strength Test

4.4. Comparison of early and final strength: The ratio of early and late strength gain for various mixes are shown in the Fig. 6. The figure provides the insights on early attaining of strength and long term strength gain.