Reusing marble and granite dust as cement replacement in cementitious composites: A review on sustainability benefits and critical challenges

Marble dust (MD) and granite dust (GD) are generated during the processing (cutting and grinding) of marble and granite, respectively. The dust generated by the mentioned stones is non-biodegradable, which creates various environmental and health hazards. In view of this, incorporation of MD/GD as a replacement for cement to prepare sustainable cementitious composites (such as concrete and mortar) has gained substantial popularity. This article critically discusses the effect of MD/GD on engineering properties of cementitious materials. In addition, to discuss the sustainable development and challenges related to the preparation of MD/GD-modified cementitious materials, 100 researchers worldwide were asked about key sustainability benefits and critical challenges to adding MD/GD in cementitious composites as cement replacement. According to the published literature and responses of researchers, MD/GD are suitable candidates to replace a considerable amount of cement in preparing cementitious composites since they can reduce environmental pollution and costs without causing detrimental effects to engineering properties of prepared cementitious composites. Finally, based on participants’ responses and the published works, a framework for successful development of cementitious materials with MD/GD is presented, which (if applied) can promote commercial use of MD/GD like slag. •Marble and granite dust decrease mechanical and rheological properties cementitious materials.•Decrease in mechanical properties can be reduced by adding supplementary cementitious materials.•Addition of marble and granite dust improves durability properties cementitious materials.•Marble and granite dust modified cementitious composites are more sustainable than conventional cementitious composites.•Deficiencies (or research gap) of marble and granite dust modified cementitious composites must be removed.