CBPM 2025 · Vol. 2025, Issue 1

A Systematic Review on the Use of Quarry Dust in the South African Construction Industry

Izuchukwu Nwokocha, Chikezirim Okorafor and Darlington Ikegwuoha

Keywords: Construction industry, Construction materials, Policy support, Quarry dust, South Africa, Sustainability, Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The construction industry's environmental impact has led to growing interest in alternative materials, and this paper reviews quarry dust by evaluating its effectiveness in concrete, road construction, and other applications while addressing its enabling factors within the South African construction industry. A systematic review of literature was conducted by analysing relevant publications from four databases (Academia, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and Springer Link) published between 2015 and 2024. The research is limited to the complexities of using quarry dust in South Africa, and the findings aim to inform the feasibility of adopting similar materials in other regions. The review highlights the effectiveness of quarry dust in construction applications, emphasising its significant contribution to both economic and environmental sustainability as a viable alternative material. Quarry dust not only enhances concrete strength and durability as an acceptable aggregate replacement but also stabilises soil in road construction, improving road durability. Additionally, it reduces the carbon footprint by replacing cement and traditional aggregates, which helps lower construction costs and offers an eco-friendly and readily available solution. However, it is important to note that there is an optimal replacement ratio for quarry dust in various studies, beyond which further increases may adversely affect concrete performance. Policy support and the establishment of standards could further promote its adoption in South Africa, unlocking its full potential in the construction industry. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers, construction professionals, and researchers, promoting the sustainable use of quarry dust and fostering environmentally friendly construction practices in South Africa.