Evaluating the Performance of CSEB Masonry under Axial and Shear Loads with Granite Waste-Enhanced Thin-Layered Mortar

The depletion of river sand, which is commonly used as fine aggregate in construction, has raised significant environmental concerns and escalated material costs. Simultaneously, the granite industry produces large quantities of waste dust, contributing to environmental pollution. This study examines the feasibility of utilizing locally sourced granite dust as a replacement for fine aggregates in cementitious materials, with the dual aim of mitigating environmental impact and addressing the scarcity of natural resources. Granite dust was incorporated into production of cement paste at varying cement-to-dust ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3), and the performance of these mixtures was compared to conventional cement mortar. Results demonstrated that a 1:1 cement-to-granite dust ratio exhibited strength properties comparable to those of conventional mortar. Using this mix, compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs) were produced and assembled into masonry prisms. After 28 days of curing, these prisms were subjected to axial and shear load tests to evaluate their mechanical behavior. The findings reveal that granite dust effectively enhances the strength characteristics of masonry while offering a sustainable and cost-efficient alternative to river sand. This research underscores the potential use of granite waste to reduce dependency on natural resources and provides a viable eco-friendly solution for masonry construction, particularly in regions such as Karnataka, where the demand for construction materials is high and the preservation of natural ecosystems is critical.