Optimization of the limestone fines proportion for dune sand mortar based on a statistical model

Abstract

The process of upgrading local materials is an important step in effectively solving the problems of scarcity of aggregate resources and environmental pollution. It can also contribute to a better understanding of the behavior and use of these materials, with a view to obtaining a rigorous identification that will facilitate their monitoring and control during their application in the various construction and rehabilitation works.This paper presents the use of a simplex lattice design approach as a tool for assessing and analyzing the influence of limestone fines addition in dune sand mortar. The comprehensive performance of mortar with adding limestone was tested through the mechanical strength and water absorption capacity were determined for each mixture, the participation rate of the fines varies from 5% to 20% at a rate of 5%.The results obtained show that the incorporation of fines, in the fresh and hardened state, has a massive influence on the mortar's actions. Furthermore, it was noted that their inclusion makesit ispossible to obtain a quality comparable to that of a good sand-based mortar (control mortar), which shows the efficacy of the fines used.