Performance of cementitious matrices incorporating concrete floor polishing sludge waste

•The results of the evaluation of the use of polishing residues on concrete floors prove to be viable.•The reuse of polishing residues increases the mechanical strength of Portland cement.•Reusing polishing wastes could be a win environment impact. The objective of this work is to analyze of reusing concrete floor polishing waste (CFPW) as an additional material to cementitious compounds, reducing at the same time both the consumption of Portland cement and the environmental problems. Mortars and pastes were produced with CFPW additions (4%mass up to 12%mass) and were characterized in terms of mechanical properties, chemical composition, and thermal analysis. The results of the thermal analysis showed that the moisture carbonation increased as the CFPW %mass increased. The results of the mechanical compression tests showed that the addition of CFPW increases the compressive strength of mortars. The conclusion is that adding CFPW to cementitious compound is feasible in order to reduce the consumption of Portland cement and preserve the environment.