Modernization of concrete mix compositions

The object of research is an additive to concrete based on silica obtained by grinding quartz sandstone screenings. The work examines the optimization of a concrete mixture through the use of silica obtained by grinding quartz sandstone screenings. It has been established that when the quartz sandstone screenings are ground for 30 minutes, the total mass contains, along with small particles, large unground particles of an acute angular shape, the content of which noticeably decreases with further grinding, and the shape becomes rounded (90 minutes inclusive). Analysis of nanoparticles of the resulting powders (x50,000), inclusions of the largest fractions are observed during grinding for 30 minutes, then the particle size decreases (60 minutes) and increases again (90 minutes), which allows it to be used as an effective additive for fine-grained concrete. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.