Lime-cement mortars designed with steelmaking slags as aggregates and validation study of their properties using mathematical models

Abstract

In this paper, ecological masonry mortars as a new building material are design, using a mix of calcium lime and Portland cement as binder, together with steelmaking waste aggregate (Electric Arc Furnace Slag and Ladle Furnace Slag), in substitution of natural aggregate and, subsequently a comparative study was made using mathematical models. To do so, different reference mortar types were prepared with various proportions of calcium lime CL-90-S and Portland Cement CEM I 42.5 R as binder, together with a natural siliceous aggregate. Subsequently, and separately, the natural siliceous aggregate (NA) was progressively substituted by LF and EAF slags. The mixtures designed were analyzed in the laboratory through characterization tests (European Standard), and a comparative study was made with the reference mortars. Surface Response Methodology (RSM) was applied to test whether the mathematical model could acceptably predict the behaviours of these types of mortars, analytical process that allow predicting the behaviour of a material without having to complete the entire series of necessary laboratory tests. Comparing the results obtained in the laboratory and those estimated through mathematical models RSM of each of the properties, it can be affirmed that the methods of mathematical prediction were useful for the study of these ecological mortars for use in construction.