Suitability of mortars produced using laterite and ceramic wastes: Mechanical and microscale analysis
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Elseveir
Abstract
Description
Using industrial wastes and local materials as artificial aggregates in cement based materials remains a
relevant measure for conservation of natural sources. In this study, novel cementitious mixes containing
pulverized ceramic blended cement, ceramic aggregate and laterite were systematically combined to produce
cement mortars. The mortar specimens were cured in water for a maximum of 28 days. At maturity,
nondestructive tests, X-ray CT scan and ultrasonic pulse velocity, were performed on hardened mortars.
Thereafter, a series of predefined properties, namely dry bulk density, compressive and flexural strength,
water absorption coefficient (due to capillary) of the hardened mortars were determined. Finally, in order
to understand the hydration mechanism of the materials as it relates to the strength properties, microscale
tests, SEM and XRD, were used to examine the fragments of the selected mortars. From the results, a
mortar sample containing 10% ceramic powder and 100% ceramic aggregate as replacements for cement
and sand respectively, gave higher strength values than the reference and other mixes. Microstructural
analysis of the best mix revealed that it has larger proportions of ettringite, portlandite and calcite than
the reference mix, and this could be responsible for the strength gained. Thus, despite the apparent low
reactivity of crushed ceramic material, this can improve bonding in cement-based mixture, when used at
an appropriate concentration.
Keywords
TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General), TH Building construction