The influence of quartz powder addition on the production of paving blocks

The research investigates how quartz powder addition affects the physical and mechanical properties of concrete paving blocks made from cement, fine aggregate, water, and coarse aggregate mixtures. Quartz powder was evaluated as an as an effective waste material alternative to conventional stone dust, with testing conducted on compressive strength, abrasion resistance, bulk density, absorption, and visual inspection parameters. The findings demonstrate that the optimal 10% quartz powder addition significantly improves paving block properties, achieving Class B according to Indonesian National Standard SNI 03-069, which requires a minimum compressive strength of 17 MPa and designates suitability for pedestrian traffic areas, residential walkways, and light vehicular applications. The enhanced performance is attributed to the high silica content in quartz powder, which strengthens cementitious matrix bonds, while Class B ensures compliance with construction specifications for moderate-stress environments, providing adequate durability and structural performance for typical urban infrastructure applications. This research validates quartz powder as a viable, waste material admixture that maintains required quality standards while potentially reducing manufacturing costs through waste material utilization.