Heat resistant mortar using Portland cement and waste clay bricks

Abstract

The waste materials of clay bricks are usually come in different ways. Some are created in factories during and after the production process as a result of human mistakes, inappropriate materials, or a mistake in production process, some others are formed in transportation and distribution stage and finally a large part of waste materials are formed as a result of destroying buildings. The amount of waste materials may account to millions of tons annually. Recycling waste clay brick by incorporating them into building materials is a practical solution for pollution problem. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of waste brick as aggregates and as a partial replacement for Portland cement in the production of heat-resistant mortar, which is used for the potential fire structure, created by flammable materials stored or used in the building. This mortar is capable of working in the heat range of 800°C and 1000°C. Mechanical properties of mortar are based on the finding a suitable content of additives from waste brick used for binder and a reasonable aggregate gradation. The research results showed that the use of additives from waste brick in different proportions by weight (20-45%) for the cement increase heat resistance of the binder. In addition, aggregate particles from waste brick having sintered structure can be able to improve the thermal stability of mortar at high temperature.