Properties of Anti-spalling Self-compacting Mortars - An Approach Towards Multifunctional Building Composite

Hamza Tahir,Sher Baz Khan

doi:10.24018/ejers.2021.6.2.2364

Abstract

This study investigates the micro structural studies of self-compacting mortars by the addition of PP, Nylon and Jute fibers and the amount of Gypsum formed. The amount of all fibers in the proposed mix was limited to 0.5% by weight of the mortar. Four types of mortars one of which was reference mortar and other three mortars contained PP, Nylon and Jute fibers of amount 0.5% by weight, respectively. The workability of the self-compacting mortars was monitored by Mini Slump Flow diameter test. From the results it was found that more compacted microstructure and less amount of Gypsum formation occurred for mortar samples containing PP fibers as compared to control mortar and mortar samples containing Nylon and Jute fibers respectively.

Highlights

Microstructure of construction material plays an important role in its durability
2) Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Analysis After 28 days of curing the mortar cubes were oven dried at 105 °C and from each cube specific samples were prepared for SEM images
The samples prepared for SEM analysis and the Scanning Electron Microscope used are shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, respectively

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Microstructure of construction material plays an important role in its durability. The performance of a construction material depends upon its microstructural characteristics. Improvements in the microstructure of construction materials can possibly lead to the beneficial properties of the material. In recent studies many approaches are adopted to improve the microstructure of mortars. Practice of hydrogen rich water is studied and found that more compacted and improved microstructure is observed by using hydrogen rich water in mortars [2]. The extent of cracks propagation and the cracks concentration was observed to be reduced by the addition of Polypropylene fibers combined with Metakaolin and Rice Husk Ash [3]. The Alkali Activated Fly ash based Geopolymer were studied and found that the microstructure contained unreacted FA particles and a sodium silicate gel formation that resulted to a loosely compacted microstructure [5].

Materials

Specimens Preparation

Testing Methods

Slump Flow Diameter of Mortars

Microstructure of Specimens

CONCLUSIONS