Performance of Alkali-Activated Mortar Mixes Containing Industrial Waste Materials as Binders

Abstract

The current study is aimed at to determine the optimum mix parameters for developing the mortar blocks using red mud (RM), cement kiln dust (CKD) and silica fume as binder. In the present study, an attempt is made to prepare alkali-activated mixes containing red mud (RM), cement kiln dust (CKD) and silica fume as binder. Various strength properties of mortar blocks at different time intervals (days) were investigated. From the results, it was found that the compressive strength of red mud blocks improved with the addition of higher contents cement kiln dust and silica fume. The mixes with red mud as sole binder and with lower contents of CKD and silica fume displayed higher water absorption and total porosity. The UPV values mixes showed a better performance with increasing contents of silica fume and CKD. The resistance to abrasion was found to be better for mixes which contained higher proportions of CKD and silica fume, respectively. All the mixes displayed sufficient strength and durability performance to suit the requirement of bricks based on the type or class of bricks.