Investigating chemical, physical and mechanical properties of eco-cement produced using dry sewage sludge and traditional raw materials

Abstract

This work was performed to investigate the effect of using dry municipal sewage sludge as one of the raw materials in Portland cement production on the mechanical and durability properties of an environmentally sustainable cement (eco-cement). The specimens were prepared as one control and four different replacement level of dry sewage sludge as partial substitute of traditional raw materials (5.0, 7.5, 10.0 and 15.0 percent). Several physical, chemical and mechanical characteristics of eco-cement produced in this study were determined experimentally. The results indicated that chemical composition of all specimens were very similar to each other. Moreover, the specific gravity and fineness of specimens containing sludge were found to be lower and higher than control specimens, respectively. Initial and final setting times of eco-cement increased with the increase in replacement level of dry sewage sludge. In addition, with increasing the replacement level, the normal consistency, fluidity and the volume expansion values of specimens increased. It was also observed that for all eco-cement specimens, the compressive and flexural strengths were comparable to control specimens.