Effect of fine aggregate replacement with desert dune sand on fresh properties and strength of self-compacting mortars

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an experimental study that investigated the rheological and mechanical properties of self-compacting mortars incorporating fine dune sand (DS), which has a tight Particle size distribution. Mortar mixtures were prepared with crushed sand (CS) or river sand (RS) in which the fine aggregates were replaced partially by different percentages of DS of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. The effect of DS on the fresh mortars properties was studied using the mini-slump flow, V-funnel flow time and viscosity measurements tests. Compressive strength and flexural strength were determined at age of 3, 7 and 28 days. Experimental results indicate an improvement in fresh rheological without reducing in mechanical properties of self-compacting mortars when fine aggregates were replaced partially with DS (50%). However, at high-level DS replacement (75%) the slump flow decreases. The replacement of the DS to the CS or to the RS shows an increase in the mixture viscosity. In general, the compressive and flexural strength were not significant affected with an increase in DS replacement. Finally, based on the results obtained in this investigation, DS may provide a readily available alternative material as fine aggregates in mortar application.