Abstract
In this research we evaluated the use of recycled fine mortar aggregate (RFMA) as a fine aggregate for new masonry mortar creation. The pre-wetting effect on the aggregate before creating the mixture was analyzed as a method to reduce its absorption potential. A control mixture of conventional mortar and two groups of recycled mortars were designed with a partial replacement of natural sand by RFMA (pre-wetted and not pre-wetted) performed in different proportions. The results established that the pre-wetting process allows a reduction in the amount of water required during the creation of new mixtures, regulating the water/cement (W/C) ratio and improving the properties of recycled mortars such as air content, fresh and hardened densities, and compressive and adhesive strength for all substitution levels. Mortar made with a 20% substitution and pre-wetted until it was at 67% of its absorption capacity displayed adhesive values higher than the ones shown by the reference mortar. The pre-wetting process proves to be an easy performance technique; it is inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and the most valuable fact is that specialized equipment is not necessarily needed. This process is the most profitable option for improving RFMA exploitation and reuse.
Highlights
At the present time, the proper management of solid waste from construction and demolition (C & DW) is an important subject due to its environmental and economic implications
Several studies [21,24,28] have demonstrated that the pre-wetting method improves the performance of mortars and recycled concrete
recycled aggregates (RAs) that increases in thedensity mixtures, the bulk substitution, density decreases, so mortars that for each theofmortar with the highest was a 20%
Summary
The proper management of solid waste from construction and demolition (C & DW) is an important subject due to its environmental and economic implications. Reusing these materials in the creation of concrete or masonry mortar mixtures increases their useful life and reduces their excessive accumulation in landfills, in addition to contributing to the protection of natural aggregate banks. The use of RFA has been limited due to its lower density values and because it has higher water absorption than sand This has caused some researchers not to recommend its use in the preparation of concrete [1,2]. Several studies [3,4,5] have demonstrated that it is possible to reuse RFAs during the creation of concrete mixes in percentages of substitution of sand no greater than 20% without significantly affecting its properties
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