Weathered quartite sandstones of the Kursk magnetic anomaly as a raw material for construction industry

Introduction. The features of composition and structure of quartzitic sandstones of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly affected by weathering processes, which do not meet the requirements of normative documents for obtaining crushed rock, are considered. The reserves of these rocks have not been approved as minerals and are currently stored in the form of large-tonnage dumps on the territory of the plant.The main challenge to be solved within the framework of the work is aimed at solving the issue of expanding the raw material base of the construction industry. Materials and methods . Efficiency evaluation of the weathered quartzite sandstone use is based on the study of indicators of physical and chemical properties. The analysis of mineral rocks was carried out using digital microscopy, the method of X-ray phase analysis. The experimental studies of the kinetics of grinding raw materials have been carried out. The activity of composite binders using weathered quartzite sandstone was studied in accordance with GOST 30744-2001. Results. It is shown that genetic features of weathered quartzitic sandstones are caused by defective crystal structure of quartz, they are also characterised by low frost resistance and strength. The grinding efficiency of weathered quartzite sandstone is 4 times higher in comparison with untethered. It has been established that the use of these raw materials to produce composite binders makes it possible to reduce the proportion of Portland cement in the mixture by up to 50% and increase the strength of the composite binder by 20%. Discussion and Conclusions . In consideration of current trends in the transition of the construction industry to multicomponent compositions, it is advisable to use weathered quartzite sandstone as an unconventional quartz raw material in obtaining energy-efficient building composites of a new generation.