In the present study, experimental investigations were conducted to find out the effect of abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) process parameters on the surface roughness (Ra) of White Makrana Marble. The approach was based on Taguchi’, s method and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to optimize the AWJM process parameters for effective machining. Nozzle transverse speed, water pressure, and stand of distance were selected as the input parameters while the other was kept constant. It was found that the water pressure and nozzle transverse speed were significant control factors and the stand of distance was the insignificant control factor in controlling the surface roughness (Ra).

The exploration and management of abundant economic mineral resources of Pakistan, particularly the vast Marble deposits in the northwestern region, hold immense potential for driving economic growth. The use of Marble in the construction industry faces extensive challenges such as undeveloped mining processing methods, incomplete understanding of Marble qualities, undefined selection criteria for suitable varieties, and the environmentally harmful consequences of excessive waste production. This research developed a laboratory investigation protocol to characterize distinct Marble deposits in Buner, Pakistan, each offering unique compositions and petrographic features. Three Marble varieties were identified including pure calcitic (over 90% calcite) with low silica content (0.1% to 2.5%); impure calcitic (non-carbonate minerals up to 20%) with 19.8% silica and 31% lime; and pure dolomite (over 20% dolomite) with 29% lime and 23% magnesium oxide. The distinctive petrographic features of the Marble deposits, such as equigranular structures, subhedral to anhedral grains, granuloblastic textures, and schistosity in impure calcitic, as well as luster-displaying dolomite in pure dolomite, provide valuable insights into their geological characteristics. Furthermore, the physical properties of the Marble types exhibit correlations with their compressive and tensile strengths. Notably, the low specific gravity, water absorption, and porosity of the investigated Marble result in high strength values. The average compressive strength was found to be 31 MPa for pure calcitic, 35 MPa for impure calcitic, and 59 MPa for pure dolomite Marble. Likewise, the tensile strengths measured 6 MPa, 7 MPa, and 9 MPa, respectively. While the investigated Marble types prove to be excellent choices for dimension stone applications, it is crucial to note that they do not meet the standards required for cement production and paint manufacturing. This research contributes to the understanding of Pakistan's Marble resources, refined processing methods, and sustainable construction practices.

Concrete is a construction material consisting of cementitious material, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate and water. Now-a-days, the cost of these materials is increasing. We need to look at a way to reduce the cost of building materials especially cement. One of the recent advancement in construction industry is the replacement of cement with waste materials in concrete. This replacement offers cost reduction, energy savings and protection of environment. To achieve the above objective, an attempt has been made to replace cement with waste Marble powder (WMP) produced from Marble industries. The present investigation aims to study the mechanical and durability properties of high strength concrete (HSC) with cement partially replaced by waste Marble powder. Cement has been replaced with Marble powder at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% in this study. The properties of concrete such as compressive strength, modulus of elasticity and flexural strength were determined. The durability characteristics such as water absorption, acid resistance and rapid chloride permeability were also determined.

In this study, the treatability of Marble processing wastewater by electrocoagulation using aluminum and iron electrodes was investigated. The sample used was from the Marble-processing plant in Sivas and its turbidity, suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand and total solids concentrations were about 1,914 NTU, 2,904, 150 and 4,750 mg/L, respectively. The effects of various operating parameters such as initial pH, current density and electrolysis time on turbidity, suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand and total solids removal efficiencies were investigated. The settling characteristics of waste sludge produced and energy and electrode consumption were also determined. The optimum values of initial pH, current density and electrolysis time in electrocoagulation studies carried out using aluminum electrode were found to be 7.8, 30 A/m2 and 5 min, respectively. Under these conditions, the removal efficiencies obtained for turbidity, suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand and total solids were 98.5, 99.2, 55.2 and 92.4 %, respectively. Corresponding energy and electrode consumptions were 0.143 kWh/kg SS and 0.010 kg Al/kg SS. For iron electrode, the optimum parameter values were found to be 7.8 pH, 20 A/m2 and 5 min, respectively. Under these conditions, removal efficiencies for turbidity, suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand and total solids were determined as 94.3, 99.1, 54.2, and 96.1 %, respectively. Energy and electrode consumptions were 0.0571 kWh/kg SS and 0.0206 kg Fe/kg SS, respectively. Settling characteristics of sludge produced during experiments carried out using both aluminum and iron electrodes were fairly good. The results showed that electrocoagulation method can be used efficiently for the treatment of Marble processing wastewater under proper operating conditions.