Zeolites - sustainable building material

Zeolites are natural porous volcanic tuffs that represent hydrated crystalline aluminosilicates minerals with alkaline and earth-alkaline metals. Their chemical properties, a large percentage of porosity, ability of adsorption of the material define high specific surface and low specific weight. Many experimental studies confirm zeolites’ excellent mechanical properties that include this material in the group of building materials for structural elements. Another use of zeolite is as an additive in cement, as an active mineral supplement and binder component for silicate concrete and as gypsum cement pozzolatic binder component and concretes based on them. A mixture of cement and zeolite is used for the production of high-strength concrete with greater compression resistance than that of Portland cement. Primary objective of this paper is to investigate the field of application of zeolites found near Probishtip in Macedonia. Properties of the individual zeolites strongly depend on the location of the site. Therefore, experimental testing has been performed in order to define mechanical properties of the local zeolites. Water absorption, porosity, specific weight and mechanical properties have been determined. Additional testing of the physical and mechanical properties of the zeolites can open new horizons in the industry of building materials in Macedonia. This newly discovered material is feasible, easily mined from quarries and easily processed. It contributes to greener and safer environment in many ways or plays a significant role in reducing toxic waste and energy consumption. In fact, almost each application of zeolites has been introduced because of environmental concerns. The results of the parameters obtained from laboratory tests will provide guidance on opportunities for the proper application of local zeolite, in terms of both natural stone and as filler for obtaining a light mortars and concretes