Optimization of additives in cement mortar using Taguchi method

Abstract

Recent emerging developments in construction works have introduced many enormous and wonderful construction materials. But till now, cement based construction materials are being used in various activities e.g., masonry, lining, grouting etc. Cement, a key ingredient for various construction materials, needs to be replaced by another natural or artificial inert, due to its perilous effects in ecology. The present study has been conducted to evaluate the compressive strength, electrical resistivity, cost analysis and environment assessment of cement mortar after replacing the cement with various proportions of Kota stone powder. Calcium nitrate and triethanolamine were also added to the mortar mixes to control the parametric behaviours of the mixes. The Taguchi technique has been used to curtail the number of mix proportions for effort saving practices. Taguchi technique produces a data set of lesser experimental runs than a full factorial approach. Therefore, Taguchi method could be used to optimize the number of combinations to make the project cost-effective. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of cement mortar containing calcium nitrate, triethanolamine, and Kota stone powder in various proportions with respect to various attributes. An L9 (3^3) orthogonal array containing nine mortar blends was analyzed to optimize the process parameters on the basis of the laboratory responses. Results of the study positively affirmed that the efficacy of the incorporation of Kota stone powder in mortar has yielded as economic and ecological construction material over other additives.