Analysis of the Application of Limestone Waste in Agglomerated Systems Based on a Systematic Literature Review

Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcite and aragonite, both composed of CaCO3, and may contain magnesium (dolomite). Its mining causes environmental problems due to the inadequate disposal of the waste generated. This study aims to identify the applicability of limestone waste from rocks in agglomerated systems and to evaluate the techniques used to analyze these wastes and their products. The limestone waste used is generally calcitic and comes from quarries that extract carbonate rocks. Chemical and/or mineralogical analysis of waste does not present an indispensable preliminary analysis, and there is no predominance of a complete characterization of the particle size, shape and texture. Furthermore, most studies do not describe the state of the waste at the collection site and do not address the method of preparing the waste for use. Limestone waste is generally applied in the form of a filler, partially replacing fine aggregate or cement in mortars. The studies analyzed showed that its use in mortar production is viable and beneficial and can maximize new research on the use of waste, as well as help reduce the extraction of non-renewable natural resources.