Description:
BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a cement mixture and particularly to a ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture.
Description of Related Art
[002] Infrastructure development relies extensively on durable construction materials. A widespread use of conventional materials in pavement construction has led to concerns regarding resource depletion and environmental impact. Cement production contributes significantly to carbon emissions, while the extraction of natural aggregates affects ecosystems and reduces the availability of raw materials. These challenges have driven efforts to explore alternative approaches that enhance sustainability without compromising structural performance.
[003] Various methods have been considered to reduce dependence on conventional materials. Some approaches focus on incorporating industrial bi-products to lower the consumption of primary resources. Certain materials such as geopolymer have demonstrated potential in improving strength and durability, yet their application in large-scale projects remains inconsistent and monetarily inefficient. Additionally, alternative binding agents such as slag and industrial bi-products have been introduced to minimize reliance on traditional elements, but issues related to cost, workability, and long-term performance have hindered widespread adoption.
[004] Despite ongoing advancements, construction materials continue to depend largely on resource-intensive processes. The search for solutions that balance strength, durability, and environmental responsibility remains a priority. A solution that effectively integrates sustainability while maintaining economic viability could address existing limitations and support the long-term demands of infrastructure development.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture. The mixture comprising a granite waste powder (GWP), in a first predefined amount, to function as a base of the mixture. The first predefined amount of the granite waste powder (GWP) is in a range of 10 percent (%) to 30 percent (%). The mixture further comprising a supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), in a second predefined amount, to provide a reinforcement strength to the granite waste powder (GWP). The second predefined amount of the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) is in a range of 10 percent (%) to 20 percent (%). The mixture further comprising an Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) adapted to adhere bonding properties between the granite waste powder (GWP) and the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). The mixture further comprising a controlled amount of water, in a predefined ratio, to maintain a required consistency of the mixture. The predefined ratio is in a range from 0.4 to 0.5.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for production of ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture. The method comprising steps of procuring a granite waste powder (GWP) and a supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in a first predefined amount and a second predefined amount respectively; preprocessing the granite waste powder (GWP); mixing the preprocessed granite waste powder (GWP) with the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in a container; adding an Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in the mix of the granite waste powder (GWP) and the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs); and adding a controlled amount of water in the achieved composition in a predefined ratio for achieving a desired consistency of the mixture.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture that lowers the reliance on cement, leading to a significant reduction in carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture that repurposes an otherwise discarded material, reducing landfill waste and promoting resource efficiency.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture that improves resistance to shrinkage, abrasion, and water permeability, ensuring longer-lasting pavement structures.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture that enhances compressive and tensile strength while maintaining workability, making it suitable for high-performance applications.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture that raw material expenses and enhances durability, leading to lower long-term maintenance and repair costs.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of elements of a ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a mixer used for preparation of the ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for production of the ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of elements of a ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture 100 (hereinafter referred to as the mixture 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture 100 may be adapted for a ground-up construction of pavements. Further, the mixture 100 may be adapted to repair and execute patch work on pre-constructed pavements. The mixture 100 may be adapted to induce strength and reduce chipping of the pavement. Further, the mixture 100 may inculcate resistance to shrinkage, abrasion, water permeability, and so forth to the pavement.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, a strength induced by the mixture 100 may further be customized by modifying some proportions of the elements. The customization of the strength may enable utilization of the in various conditions such as, but not limited to, highways, rigid pavements, heavy-load roads, and so forth. Further, modification of the strength of the mixture 100 may allow easy workability and may aid in achieving green sustainable goals. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture 100 may exhibit enhanced shrinkage resistance, abrasion resistance, and water permeability compared to traditional cement-based pavement concrete. Hence, providing a long-term structural integrity for road and pavement applications.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture 100 may be consumed in a lesser amount for construction of the pavement comparatively to the traditional cement-based pavement concrete. Hence, lowering carbon emissions and environmental impacts. Moreover, the mixture 100 may promote waste utilization by repurposing real estate waste, that may otherwise be discarded as landfill waste.
[0027] The mixture 100 may comprise a granite waste powder (GWP) 102, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104, an Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 106, and water 108.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 may be adapted to function as a base of the mixture 100. The granite waste powder (GWP) 102 may adapted to be a partial replacement for cement and fine aggregates in pavement construction projects.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 may be sourced from industrial by-products generated during the cutting, grinding, and polishing processes in granite processing industries. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 may be derived from black galaxy granite, a widely used ornamental stone known for its high silica content and dense structure, which enhances its pozzolanic reactivity when finely ground. The waste material generated during the processing of black galaxy granite may be collected, dried, and ground to a specified particle size distribution suitable for partial replacement of cement and fine aggregates.
[0030] The granite waste powder (GWP) 102 may be finely grounded to a particle size distribution optimized for improved bonding and dispersion in the mixture 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the particle size of the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 may be predominantly in the range of 1 to 45 microns, with a median particle size (D50) of approximately 15 microns. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any suitable particle size of the granite waste powder (GWP) 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. Further, the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 may improve shrinkage resistance, abrasion resistance, water permeability, and so forth enhancing a longevity of pavement structures. Furthermore, the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 may reduce cement consumption that may lead to a reduction in the carbon footprint of the pavement construction projects.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 may function as a partial cementitious and filler component that enhances the packing density of the mixture 100, contributing to reduced voids, refined pore structure, and increased durability. The granite waste powder (GWP) 102 may further engage in secondary pozzolanic reactions when finely ground, thereby improving long-term strength and reducing permeability of the mixture 100.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture 100 may comprise a first predefined amount of the granite waste powder (GWP) 102. The first predefined amount of the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 may be in a range of 10 percent (%) to 30 percent (%). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any suitable first predefined amount, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104 may be adapted to provide a reinforcement strength to the granite waste powder (GWP) 102. The supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104 may be, but not limited to, fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), silica fume, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104 may enhance the performance of the binder by contributing additional reactive silica and alumina. The supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104 may react with calcium hydroxide released during OPC hydration, forming additional calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel, which contributes to improved durability, reduced porosity, and resistance to chemical attack.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fly ash may be sourced from coal-based thermal power plants such as those located in Singrauli (Madhya Pradesh), India. The fly ash may be classified as Class F or Class C as per ASTM C618, with a particle size distribution ranging from 1 to 20 microns and a median particle size (D50) of approximately 10 microns. The fly ash may be used in a proportion ranging from 10% to 20% by weight of the total binder content. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any suitable proportion of the fly ash, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) may be sourced from steel manufacturing units, such as those operated by JSW Steel or Tata Steel in India. The GGBS may have a particle size distribution ranging from 2 to 40 microns, with a median particle size (D50) of around 15 microns, and may be used in the range of 20% to 40% by weight of the total binder content. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any suitable range of the ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the silica fume may be sourced as a by-product from silicon or ferrosilicon alloy industries. The silica fume may have an ultra-fine particle size, typically below 1 micron, with high specific surface area, and may be incorporated in the range of 5% to 10% by weight of the total binder content. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any suitable range of the ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0038] The optimal blending of the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104 with the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 may enhance the mechanical properties, durability, and sustainability of the mixture 100 while significantly reducing the reliance on Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 106. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture 100 may comprise a second predefined amount of the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104.
[0039] The second predefined amount of the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104 may be in a range of 10 percent (%) to 20 percent (%). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any suitable second predefined amount of the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 106 may be adapted to adhere bonding properties between the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 and the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104. In an embodiment of the present invention, the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 106 may serve as a controlled amount binder for initiating and/or sustaining the hydration reaction essential for setting and strength development of the mixture 100. The Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 106 may provide an early-stage mechanical strength and a structural integrity to the mixture 100.
[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the water 108 may be adapted to maintain a required consistency of the mixture 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, a controlled amount of the water 108 may be added in the mixture 100 in a predefined ratio . The predefined ratio of the water 108 to the mixture 100 may be in a range from 0.4 to 0.5.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the combination of the granite waste powder (GWP) 102, the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104, and the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 106 may result in a synergistic effect for producing a denser, more durable, and environmentally sustainable mixture 100. This optimized binder composition may reduce reliance on OPC, thereby lowering carbon emissions associated with cement production and enhancing the long-term performance of pavement structures.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixture 100 has demonstrated high efficacy and exemplary results in both laboratory and field trials. A synergistic interaction between the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 and the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104 has been observed to significantly enhance the mechanical and durability performance of the resulting concrete. Further, a compressive strength gains of up to 20% compared to conventional mixes, improved resistance to chloride ion penetration, and reduced drying shrinkage have been reported. Additionally, pavement sections constructed using the mixture 100 have exhibited superior surface finish, minimal cracking, and sustained structural integrity over extended service periods, validating the practical viability and sustainability of incorporating industrial by-products in modern construction practices.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a mixer 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixer 200 may be adapted to uniformly mix the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 and the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104. Further, the mixer 200 may allow an ingestion of the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 106 in a staggered fashion. Furthermore, the mixer 200 may feature inlet ports (not shown) adapted for manual addition of the controlled amount of water 108. The water 108 may added manually in the mixer 200 until an achievement of the required consistency of the mixture 100. The mixer 200 may be hand-operated and/or automatedly operated by harnessing electrical energy or chemical energy. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any mode of operation of the mixer 200, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0045] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for production of the mixture 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] At step 302, the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 and the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104 may be procured in the first predefined amount and the second predefined amount respectively.
[0047] At step 304, the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 may be preprocessed. The preprocessing may include measures such as, but not limited to, manual separation, sieving, winnowing, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the preprocessing measures, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0048] At step 306, the preprocessed granite waste powder (GWP) 102 may be mixed with the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104 in the mixer 200.
[0049] At step 308, the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 106 may be mixed in the mix of the granite waste powder (GWP) 102 and the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) 104.
[0050] At step 310, the controlled amount of water 108 may be added to the achieved composition in the predefined ratio for achieving the desired consistency of the mixture 100.
[0051] At step 312, the mixture 100 may be obtained. The obtained mixture 100 may then be directed toward casting, molding, or application in the pavement construction, depending on the intended use-case and curing methodology.
[0052] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0053] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture (100), the mixture (100) comprising:
a granite waste powder (GWP) (102), in a first predefined amount, to function as a base of the mixture (100), characterized by the first predefined amount of the granite waste powder (GWP) (102) is in a range of 10 percent (%) to 30 percent (%);
a supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) (104), in a second predefined amount, to provide a reinforcement strength to the granite waste powder (GWP) (102), wherein the second predefined amount of the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) (104) is in a range of 10 percent (%) to 20 percent (%);
an Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) (106) adapted to adhere bonding properties between the granite waste powder (GWP) (102) and the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) (104); and
water (108), in a predefined ratio, to maintain a required consistency of the mixture (100), wherein the predefined ratio is in a range from 0.4 to 0.5.
2. The mixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) (104) are selected from fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), silica fume, or a combination thereof.
3. The mixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a particle size of the granite waste powder (GWP) (102) is in a range of 1 to 45 microns, with a median particle size (D50) of 15 microns.
4. The mixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a particle size distribution of fly ash is in a range from 1 to 20 microns and a median particle size (D50) of 10 microns.
5. The mixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a particle size distribution of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) is in a range from 2 to 40 microns, with a median particle size (D50) of 15 microns.
6. The mixture (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a particle size distribution of silica fume is below 1 micron.
7. A method (300) for production of ternary blended pavement quality concrete (PQC) mixture (100), the method (300) is characterized by steps of:
procuring a granite waste powder (GWP) (102) and a supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) (104) in a first predefined amount and a second predefined amount respectively;
preprocessing the granite waste powder (GWP) (102);
mixing the preprocessed granite waste powder (GWP) (102) with the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) (104) in a mixer (200);
adding an Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) (106) in the mix of the granite waste powder (GWP) (102) and the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) (104); and
adding a controlled amount of water (108) in the achieved composition in a predefined ratio for achieving a desired consistency of the mixture (100).
8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first predefined amount of the granite waste powder (GWP) (102) is in a range of 10 percent (%) to 30 percent (%).
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second predefined amount of the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) (104) is in a range of 10 percent (%) to 20 percent (%).
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the predefined ratio of the water (108) in the mixture (100) is in a range from 0.4 to 0.5.
Date: April 15, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant