Mortar Composites Research Articles

Effects of Micro- and Nanosilica on the Mechanical and Microstructural Characteristics of Some Special Mortars Made with Recycled Concrete Aggregates.

In this paper, we study the influence of densified microsilica and colloidal nanosilica admixtures on the mechanical strength and the microstructural characteristics of special mortars used for immobilizing radioactive concrete waste. The experimental program focused on the replacement of cement with micro- and/or nanosilica, in different proportions, in the basic composition of a mortar made with recycled aggregates. The technical criteria imposed for such cementitious systems, used for the encapsulation of low-level radioactive waste, imply high fluidity, increased mechanical strength and lack of segregation and of bleeding. We aimed to increase the structural compactness of the mortars by adding micro- and nanosilica, all the while maintaining the technical criteria imposed, to obtain a cement matrix with high durability and increased capacity for immobilizing radionuclides. The samples from all the compositions obtained were analyzed from the point of view of mechanical strength. Also, micro- and nanosilica as well as samples of the optimal mortar compositions were analyzed physically and microstructurally. Experimental data showed that the mortar samples present maximum compressive strength for a content between 6 and 7.5% wt. of microsilica, respectively, for a content of 2.25% wt. nanosilica. The obtained results suggest a synergistic effect of micro- and nanosilica when they are used simultaneously in cementitious compositions. Thus, among the analyzed compositional variants, the mortar composition with 3% wt. microsilica and 2.25% wt. nanosilica showed the best performance, with an increase in compressive strength of 23.5% compared to the control sample (without micro- and nanosilica). Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images highlighted the decrease in pore diameter and the increase in structural compactness, especially for mortar samples with nanosilica content or a mixture of micro- and nanosilica. This study is useful in the field of recycling radioactive concrete resulting from the decommissioning of nuclear research or nuclear power reactors.

CEMENT COMPOSITES WITH THE ADDITION OF PHASE-CHANGE MATERIALS AS INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FOR MAINTAINING A PLEASANT LIVING ENVIRONMENT

The aim of this work was to investigate the possibility of the addition of phase-change material (PCM) to mortar mixtures and its effect on the material’s mechanical and thermal properties. This work included the preparation of mortar mixtures with two different water-to-cement (w/c) ratios as well as various PCM volume-fraction additions. The main objectives were to determine the effect of the w/c ratio as well as the PCM addition on the mechanical properties of the mortars after (3, 7, and 28) d of curing. Additionally, we examined the microstructure of the prepared mortar composites and evaluated their thermal behaviour. Microstructural analysis revealed the uniform distribution of PCM microcapsules throughout the mortar matrix, which contributes to the efficient storage and release of thermal energy. Thermal properties were analysed by repeated heating and cooling cycles of the mortar composites. The repeatability of the cyclic testing results showed a reversible melting and solidification phase change of the PCM and indicated the potential use of such composites as an energy-efficient building material. The study highlighted the potential incorporation of the PCM into mortar mixtures to improve their thermal properties while maintaining the mechanical integrity. The research findings provide valuable insight into the development of sustainable building materials with greater energy efficiency and structural reliability.

Impact of pozzolanic and inert powders on the microstructure and thermal chemistry of cement mortars

The aim of this work is the investigation of the microstructure of two types of white, high-workability cement mortars: type 1 (Am) with a relatively high content of marble powder (Binder:Aggregate = 1:2) containing fine particles, and type 2 (Mz) with a high content of marble powder (Binder + Pozzolan:Aggregate = 0.9 + 0.1:2) and up to 10 wt% clinoptilolite as a pozzolan from the white cement content. The density of the composites’ structures at 1, 28, and 120 days of water curing was evaluated by measurements of their physical-mechanical properties - density, compressive strength, and porosity. Crystal microstructure and sample morphology were investigated with mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), X-ray powder diffraction analysis (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal analysis (TG/DTG-DSC). The conducted studies established that a high content of fines makes the structure denser. The formed structure has open porosity, which allows for the transportation of water, with slow continuous hydration resulting in the growth of crystals and the formation of various products, especially with the addition of clinoptilolite. The formation of cement hydrated minerals (CSH and CASH) such as ettringite, hillebrandite, yugawaralite, wairakite, hibschite, together with hemi- and mono-carboaluminate, etc., has been proven. The composition of the cement mortar with a high content of marble powder and up to 10 wt% clinoptilolite has the potential for further improvement of the process of hydration by forming a greater variety of calcium silicate hydroxyl phases. Despite the complexity of the reactions in the hydration of mortars, a generalized scheme of the reactions describing the main steps of the process is presented in correlation with the specified experimental conditions. The results allow for the development of sustainable building material strategies using waste and natural materials to reduce resource dependence and energy for production. Widespread adoption of sustainable building materials is seen as one of the most promising approaches to increasing the efficiency of the construction sector in a sustainable way and ensuring continued economic growth and a circular economy.

Development of Geopolymer/Activated Carbon Composite Mortar from PLTU Paiton Fly Ash with the Addition of Sidoarjo Mud Waste

Abstract Cement production produces CO2 gas emissions that are harmful to the environment, so the manufacture of geopolymers can be done to substitute cement. Geopolymers are mineral chemical compounds or mixtures thereof consisting of repeating chemical units, such as silica-oxide. This research aims to make geopolymer mortar made from fly ash waste and Sidoarjo Lapindo mud composites with activated carbon to increase compressive strength, reduce moisture and increase CO2 absorption. Broadly speaking, the stages of this research began with preparing tools and materials to make geopolymer mortar, then mix design between fly ash, Sidoarjo lapindo sludge, and activated carbon with the addition of alkali activator, as well as fine aggregate in the form of Lumajang sand, which was then cured at 7, 14, and 28 days. Furthermore, characterization tests carried out for geopolymer mortar are SEM and XRD and testing compressive strength, water absorption, and CO2 absorption. The compressive strength test results showed that of all sample variations, the F100 variation had the highest compressive strength with a value of 17.57 MPa after curing for 28 days. The compressive strength of each sample variation increases with the longer curing time, except for the L100 variation. While in the additive variation group, the compressive strength of the F75C15L10 variation is the highest with a value of 17.43 MPa. In the water absorption test based on the carbon additive variation, it can be seen that the longer the curing time, the higher the water absorption.

Development of Sustainable 3D Printable Ternary Composite

3D printing technology has the potential to reduce construction waste through its controlled manufacturing process and optimized material consumption, making it a promising sustainable construction approach with reduced environmental impact. However, current 3D printed structures often have a high carbon footprint due to the large amounts of fine-grained primary materials used in mortar composites. Most efforts to develop 3D printed structures are associated with concrete and Portland cement-based materials.This research presents an innovative approach for the reuse of gypsum to develop a material suitable for 3D printing, with the goal to industrialize the usage of waste gypsum in civil engineering. The objective of this study is to develop a sustainable gypsum-cement-pozzolanic (GCP) ternary binder composite, incorporating recycled industrial waste gypsum materials such as construction demolition waste gypsum (CDG), along with Portland cement and secondary pozzolanic materials. The GCP ternary composite combines the desired properties of gypsum, such as fast setting time, with those of Portland cement, which offers high final strength. The addition of a pozzolanic component is essential to ensure the chemical stability of this ternary system.As part of this study, ternary composites were designed and tested for their mechanical properties, durability, and suitability for 3D printing. Development and optimization of the ternary composite was carried out as a loop of procedures (Fig.1). Through these optimization procedures, a range of mixtures with necessary properties for 3D printing was found. To ensure sustainability and to assess the environmental impact of the mixtures, life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed.The LCA of GCP composites showed at least 1.5 times lower embodied energy and carbon dioxide emissions compared to Portland cement-based mortars. This is without considering avoided emissions from the end-of-life stage of gypsum waste, as well as higher technical properties that make GCP composites superior to regular cement composites. Considering these factors, GCP composites exhibit even lower emissions and are considered a viable alternative to Portland cement-based mortars.

Synergistic valorization of rice straw and red brick demolition in development performance of lightweight cement mortars

This work deals with upgrading the undesirable agro- and industrial wastes, such as rice straw (RS), red brick demolition (RBP), and polystyrene foam (PSF), for construction purposes, as an excellent strategy to protect the environment. In this respect, the RS and its pulp fibers are modified by PSF, followed by their incorporating individually or in hybrid with RBP, in cement mortar formulation. As a substitute for fine aggregates. Six rice straw pulps used in this study were prepared from alkali, neutral, acidic, and kraft pulping agents. The effective performance of this investigated route is assessed from the mechanical properties, density, moisture resistance (thickness swelling and water absorption), measurements of the resulting mortar composites, as well as how the investigated treatment effects on behavior of RS fibers. The finding results show that the modified RS fibers, especially those results from KOH–NH4OH and neutral RS-pulping reagents, in hybrid with red brick waste provide motors with better mechanical and water resistance properties. These treated fibers have a synergistic role for including the RBP in mortar formulation to 30 %. The produced mortar has compressive strength 6.2 MPa and flexural strength 4.4 MPa, which is convenient to apply as load-bearing wall. Moreover, they provide improvement in resistance to thickness swelling and water absorption after 24-h exposure to water. The reduction in thickness swelling and water resistance reached 36.7 and 52.8 %, respectively. From the TGA measurements and SEM, it is interesting to notice that the investigated route accepts the RS fibers thermal stability and hydrophobic surface character.

Enhancing Sustainability in Construction: Water Effect on Jute Fiber Composite Mortar

The use and application of natural fiber in the Construction and Building sector is gaining momentum due to its various advantages over synthetic fibers, mainly in terms of sustainability, recyclability, and biodegradability.In this paper, two aspects of the jute fiber composite mortar have been discussed. Firstly, the effect of water on the mechanical performance of the jute fiber composite mortar samples has been presented here. Secondly, the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method has been used to analyze and determine the crack openings (mm), in the deformed specimens that occurred during the flexural tests.Notably, for 0.5% (fiber lengths: 30 mm, 10 mm, 5 mm) and 1.0% (fiber length: 30mm) fiber (with respect to the dry mortar mass) composite mortar samples prepared with the same water amount, exactly the same used for the mortar (without fiber). The reduction in flexural (−1.47 to −2.79 MPa) and compression strengths (−5.4 to −14.01 MPa) have been observed when compared with similar combinations (fiber % and fiber lengths) prepared with different amounts of water for every mixture. Whereas, when these composite mortars are compared with samples prepared with the same average water, increment in flexural strengths (0.24 to 1.45 MPa), while changes in compressive strengths ranging from −1.67 and 6.22 MPa have been noticed.The percentage of water used for the grout preparation is an important factor in influencing the mechanical performance of the composite sample. Therefore, whenever fiber is used during the composite mortar fabrication some amount of extra water is necessary for the mixture preparation.

The Effects of Calcite-Producing Bacteria on the Engineering Properties of Alkali-Activated Composite Mortars

The Effects of Calcite-Producing Bacteria on the Engineering Properties of Alkali-Activated Composite Mortars

Experimental and analytical investigation of the tensile mechanism of textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) composites and fabric grids in elevated temperatures

The textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) combines high-strength fabric textiles with cementitious mortar matrix to enhance mechanical behaviour and durability, especially at high temperatures. The current study investigated how basalt, carbon, and glass textile grids and TRM composites respond under direct tensile and thermal loading up to 800 ℃. Changes in microstructure were analyzed using scan electron microscopy (SEM), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). The results indicated that temperature significantly affected the coating material and cementitious mortar, weakening the grids and composite specimens. Carbon and glass fibre grids proved more resilient, and the carbon and glass TRM reduced 50% of their ultimate stress at 500 ℃, while for basalt TRM is 200 ℃. A slight gain of strength was observed for all TRM specimens at 300 ℃, and SEM analysis revealed critical changes in the mortar matrix and interfacial transition region. The results were further utilized to calibrate the Gibson model considering humidity and early-stage coating material changes, and yielding results consistent with experimental data.

Mechanical and durability performance of self-compacting mortars made with different industrial by-products as fillers

This study evaluated the performance over time of Self-Compacting Mortars (SC mortars) with different industrial by-products simultaneously; Electric Arc Furnace Dust (EAFD) and fly ash, conforming (FA) or not conforming (NcFA), from coal-fired power plant or recovery filler from hot-mix asphalt plant (RF). Different SC mortars mixes were produced; three mixes with different EAFD ratio incorporation (0 %, 10 %and 20 %) for each the other industrial by-products (FA, NcFA and RF) substituted of cement at 30 %; and additional three mixes with 60 % of cement replacement by FA and the same EAFD incorporation ratios. To study the performance over time of these SC mortars, tests such as electrical resistivity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, drying shrinkage, capillarity, compressive and flexural strength were carried out up to 91 days of curing. The SC mortar compositions was evaluated by TGA/DTA and DRX analysis. Previously, the by-products used were characterized. The EAFD incorporation showed a strong influence in SC mortars, independently of the industrial by-product used. The initial inhibition of development of hardening in SC mortars due to the presence of ZnO in EAFD was lifted over time up to some extent. The simultaneous use of different industrial-by products in SC mortars in high volume content walks towards the sustainability in the construction sector.

Evaluation of incorporation of granite waste and SnO2-NPs into coating mortar for gamma-ray shielding

This study explores the use of waste granite and tin oxide nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs) as replacements for sand in mortar composites containing Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), Hydrated Lime (HL), and Quarry Sand (QS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging revealed an increase in particle distribution between voids in the control mortar, enhancing photon absorption. The density of the prepared mortar samples exhibited a notable increment, with a 2.12–2.30 g/cm3 increase through the inclusion of SnO2-NPs. Additionally, the Phy-X software was employed to experimentally measure and theoretically calculate the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), demonstrating a high degree of agreement between the two values. The LAC values were found to increase with the replacement ratio of granite waste and SnO2 nanoparticles, demonstrating the effectiveness of these materials as radiation shielding agents. This study investigates the effect of substituting waste granite and SnO2 nanoparticles for sand in mortars, resulting in an increase in LAC levels, indicating potential for improved radiation shielding capabilities, although the degree of change in LAC may be energy-dependent. The half value results (HVL) results demonstrated a significant decrease in required material thickness for radiation shielding applications with numerical values of 1.153, 0.734, 0.456, 0.351, and 0.261 cm for the control, Mor-1, Mor-2, Mor-3, and Mor-4 samples, respectively, at an energy of 0.06 MeV.

Fungal colonization and penetration of mortar as a suitable simulant for concrete: Implications for fungal biodeterioration in the built environment

A range of fungal species showed variable abilities to colonize and penetrate a mortar substrate. Calcium biomineralization was a common feature with calcium-containing crystals deposited in the microenvironment or encrusting hyphae, regardless of the specific mortar composition. Several species caused significant damage to the mortar surface, exhibiting burrowing and penetration, surface etching, and biomineralization. In some cases, extensive biomineralization of hyphae, probably by carbonatization, resulted in the formation of crystalline tubes after hyphal degradation on mortar blocks, including those amended with Co or Sr carbonate. Ca was the only metal detected in the biomineralized formations with Co or Sr undetectable. Aspergillus niger, Stemphylium sp. and Paecilomyces sp. could penetrate mortar with differential responses depending on the porosity. Fluorescent staining of thin sections recorded penetration depths of ∼530 um for A. niger and ∼620 um for Stemphylium sp. Penetration depth varied inversely with porosity and greater penetration depths were achieved in mortar with a lower porosity (lower water/cement ratio). These results have provided further understanding of biodeteriorative fungal interactions with cementitious substrates that can clearly affect structural integrity. The potential significance of fungal colonization and such biodeteriorative phenomena should not be overlooked in built environment contexts, including radionuclide storage and surface decontamination.

A comprehensive study of the shielding ability from ionizing radiation of different mortars using iron filings and bismuth oxide

The current work discusses the radiation attenuation capability and different shielding characteristics of different mortar samples. The samples were prepared by replacing different percentages of fine aggregate with iron filling and replacing different percentages of hydrated lime with Bi2O3 (0–50 wt.%). The prepared mortar samples are coded as CHBFX where X = 0, 10, 30, and 50 wt.%. The mass and linear attenuation coefficient was determined experimentally using a narrow beam technique, where a high purity germanium detector, and different point gamma-ray sources (such as Am-241, Cs-137, and Co-60). The linear attenuation coefficient was also calculated using the Monte-Carlo simulation code and the online Phy-X/PSD software. The comparison of the three methods showed a good agreement in the results. The linear attenuation coefficient drops from 19.821 to 0.053 cm−1 for CHBF0, from 27.496 to 0.057 cm−1 for CHBF10, from 42.351 to 0.064 cm−1 for CHBF30, and from 55.068 to 0.071 cm−1 for CHBF50 at photon energy range from 0.015 to 15 MeV. The half-value layer thickness, tenth-value layer thickness, and mean free path of the prepared mortar composites were also calculated photon energy ranged from 0.015 to 15 MeV. The fast neutron removal cross-section of the prepared CHBFX mortar samples have values of 0.096 cm−1, 0.098 cm−1, 0.103 cm−1, and 0.107 cm−1 for the mortar samples CHBF0, CHBF10, CHBF30, and CHBF50, respectively. The results showed that the mortar sample with the highest iron filing concentration, CHBF50, provides the best protection against gamma rays and fast neutrons which could be used in the nuclear and medical fields.

Mechanical and chemical effects of incorporating stone powder residue in mortars

The construction industry is actively integrating technological innovations to optimize processes and mitigate solid waste in response to global challenges due to population growth and globalization. In this sense, this work addresses the imperative of sustainable development and waste decrease in construction. The research delves into using solid waste, such as ceramic block waste, granites, and marbles, in concrete and mortar production, highlighting challenges related to porosity and reduced mechanical strength. Additionally, the study investigates the incorporation of fibers to enhance the tensile strength of mortars. The main goal is the analysis of stone waste incorporation in mortar production, replacing 10% of sand, cement, and lime by considering particle size, water absorption, and chemical properties of stone powder. Experimental procedures involved cement of type 2, fine sand, and hydrated lime, with sieving systems applied for sand particle size testing. Compressive strength tests of a set of mortar compositions, including reference and modified proportions, were performed. chemical analysis through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) revealed composition aspects of stone powder and its impact on cementitious composites. Finally, it is advanced insights into compressive strength, particularly when the sand is replaced by stone powder, leading to the potential of stone powder to enhance sustainability in construction practices.

Soft Computing Modeling Including Artificial Neural Network, Non-linear, and Linear Regression Models to Predict the Compressive Strength of Sustainable Mortar Modified with Palm Oil Fuel Ash

Producing sustainable concrete and mortar is the idea that have been investigated by many researchers in the world through using waste materials in the mortar or concrete compositions to reduce the thread on the environment. In order to predict the compressive strength of mortar, this article proposes statistical models utilising linear regression (LR), nonlinear regression (NLR), and artificial neural network (ANN) based on experimental data collected from prior research in the field. The pozzolanic material used in mortar is agricultural waste, specifically Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA). In order to choose the most efficient model, the proposed models were evaluated using several statistical parameters. When compared to alternative models (Linear regression, nonlinear regression, and ANN), the one developed using ANN proved to be the most efficient in terms of approach, giving lower values for root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) which were 5.11, and 4.175 respectively. The suggested ANN model performed well according to the scatter index (SI), and the coefficient of determination value (R2) value was 34% more than the R2 in the LR model and 23% greater in the NLR model.

Development and performance evaluation of a novel high-ductility fiber-reinforced lime-pozzolana matrix for textile reinforced mortar (TRM) masonry strengthening applications

This paper discusses the development of a high ductility fiber reinforced lime mortar with deflection hardening behavior. In this study, polypropylene fibers have been incorporated in a cementless reference matrix comprising of Natural Hydraulic Lime, silica fume, siliceous aggregates and workability aid admixtures. The properties of the reference and fiber reinforced mortar compositions were assessed by means of standardized laboratory tests and scanning electron microscopy. The reference composition gave an average compressive strength of 12 MPa, rendering it suitable for structural applications. Fiber addition at a dosage of 0.76% by wt. of solids led to a reduction of the compressive strength; however, sufficient load bearing capacity was still achieved (8 MPa). More importantly, the fibers enabled the mortar to sustain useful load after damage initiation, improving post-peak ductility under compression and allowing the material to reach bending stresses up to 20% higher than the first-crack strength. To evaluate the practical application of the proposed materials, their use as matrices in textile reinforced mortar (TRM) strengthening systems was investigated through pilot applications on stone masonry. Diagonal compression tests were performed on 9 ashlar masonry wallettes, including both un-retrofitted and TRM-retrofitted specimens. Single-sided TRMs consisting of alkali resistant glass textiles embedded in either the reference or the fiber reinforced mortar were considered. Specimens retrofitted with TRM constructed using the fiber reinforced mortar, exhibited a remarkable ~ 270% increase in shear strength and > 50% higher deformation capacity, compared to un-retrofitted ones. The strength increment achieved with the reference mortar as the TRM matrix was 80%, with minimal impact on ductility. The TRM comprising the fiber reinforced mortar also showed superior performance in terms of ability to retain integrity at high levels of shear deformation. Overall, the results indicate that the use of fiber reinforced lime matrices in TRM systems applied to masonry substrates has the potential to substantially enhance mechanical performance under in-plane loading, even in cases where only single-sided retrofitting can be realized.

Influence of TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Physical, Mechanical, and Structural Characteristics of Cementitious Composites with Recycled Aggregates.

The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles (NTs) on the physical and mechanical properties, as well as the microstructural changes, of cementitious composites containing partially substituted natural aggregates (NAs) with aggregates derived from the following four recycled materials: glass (RGA), brick (RGB), blast-furnace slag (GBA), and recycled textolite waste with WEEE (waste from electrical and electronic equipment) as the primary source (RTA), in line with sustainable construction practices. The research methodology included the following phases: selection and characterization of raw materials, formulation design, experimental preparation and testing of specimens using standardized methods specific to cementitious composite mortars (including determination of apparent density in the hardened state, mechanical strength in compression, flexure, and abrasion, and water absorption by capillarity), and structural analysis using specialized techniques (scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)). The analysis and interpretation of the results focused primarily on identifying the effects of NT addition on the composites. Results show a decrease in density resulting from replacing NAs with recycled aggregates, particularly in the case of RGB and RTA. Conversely, the introduction of TiO2 nanoparticles resulted in a slight increase in density, ranging from 0.2% for RTA to 7.4% for samples containing NAs. Additionally, the introduction of TiO2 contributes to improved compressive strength, especially in samples containing RTA, while flexural strength benefits from a 3-4% TiO2 addition in all composites. The compressive strength ranged from 35.19 to 70.13 N/mm2, while the flexural strength ranged from 8.4 to 10.47 N/mm2. The abrasion loss varied between 2.4% and 5.71%, and the water absorption coefficient varied between 0.03 and 0.37 kg/m2m0.5, the variations being influenced by both the nature of the aggregates and the amount of NTs added. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis showed that TiO2 nanoparticles are uniformly distributed in the cementitious composites, mainly forming CSH gel. TiO2 nanoparticles act as nucleating agents during early hydration, as confirmed by EDS spectra after curing.

Influence of the recycled sand on the cement mortars

In construction, a recent direction is to examine and integrate alternative sources of building materials with the goal of substituting the use of natural materials. This transition is encouraged by growing concern among policymakers and researchers regarding the environmental footprint of the construction industry. The incorporation of recycled aggregates into cementitious materials, such as concrete or mortar, results in a deterioration of their mechanical performance and their durability. Scientific studies devoted to recycled concrete have demonstrated that it is affected by the introduction of these recycled aggregates, in particular by the use of recycled sand. The latter is characterized by the presence of significant proportions of hardened cement, particularly that coming from a recycling plant. In this work, we aim to study experimentally the influence of the nature of recycled sand on the properties of cement mortars, substituting natural sand, with different percentages by volume: 0, 15, 30, 40, 50 and 75 %, by two types of recycled sand, one from the crushing of structural concrete and the other from a recycling plant. The mortar mixtures were made from CEM I 52.5 and Sand/Cement ratio = 3. The plasticity of these mortars was kept constant and the recycled sands have been pre-wetted. The comparative study between the different compositions of recycled mortars has shown that the physical and mechanical properties are influenced by the incorporation rate of the recycled sand. Of which, increases in the compressive strengths of recycled mortars were recorded, particularly those based on sand from the crushing of structural concrete, compared to the control mortar based on natural river sand. However, the flexural strengths of the recycled mortars suffered a slight reduction compared to the reference mortar.

Elastic Properties Study of Composite Mortar with Recycled Rubber Aggregates: with and Without Compatibilizing Agents

Elastic Properties Study of Composite Mortar with Recycled Rubber Aggregates: with and Without Compatibilizing Agents

Influence of stress wave incident angles on spalling failure in rock–mortar composites: experimental and simulation study

Influence of stress wave incident angles on spalling failure in rock–mortar composites: experimental and simulation study