Manufacture Of Mortars Research Articles

Performance Characterization of the Field Aged Asphalt Pavement Materials at Mortar Scale: Testing Method Optimization and Rheology Analysis

Performance evaluation at the asphalt mortar scale offers increased sensitivity to aging and is less affected by extraction processes comparated to asphalt mixture. Despite these benefits, there is currently a lack of standardized methods for directly processing mortar samples obtained from field mixtures. This study aims to improve and validate a manufacturing procedure for aged mortar specimens derived from field aging cores, and to evaluate the field damage level of asphalt paving materials at the mortar scale. A novel approach was developed that incorporates warm sieving, compaction, coring, and cutting to manufacture mortar specimens suitable for Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) tests. This study selected mortar specimens with different service ages and conducted rheological tests, including frequency sweep tests and modified Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) tests, to assess their rheological performance. And the significance test of all the indcies were conducted to select suitable indcies.The results show the proposed aged mortar manufacture approach can prepare eligible mortar specimens for rheology tests. The rheology test results show that several indices can distinguish different mortar types and service ages, and the indices of surface layer mortar follow a linear relationship with service age. The linear viscoelastic zone (LVE), representative shear modulus (G0), and unrecovered creep compliance at 1.6kPa (Jnr1.6) and 3.2kPa (Jnr3.2) are identified as effective indices for evaluating the behavior of field aged mortar because of their effectiveness, lower variability, and better distinction.

Auto-Combustion of Corn Straw: Production and Characterization of Corn Straw Ash (CSA) for Its Use in Portland Cement Mortars.

Agricultural waste availability implies the possibility of recovering energy as biomass. The collateral effect is the production of ashes that, in some cases, have the potential to be reused in the manufacture of cement, mortar, and concrete. This article presents the study of the auto-combustion (unlike all previous studies) of corn (maize) straw (stems and leaves). The auto-combustion temperature was monitored, and the obtained corn straw ash (CSA) was characterized by means of X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the behavior of ground CSA was analyzed in both the fresh state by measurement of workability on the spreading table and the hardened state by compressive strength measurement on mortars in which 10% of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was replaced with CSA. These values were compared to both a control mortar (OPC) and a mortar in which OPC was partially replaced with 10% limestone filler. Ashes showed adequate pozzolanic reactivity because, at 90 curing days, the compressive strength of the mortars with 10% replacement of OPC with CSA was practically equal (98% of the strength) to the control mortar without pozzolan replacement. The auto-combustion of biomass is a process that can be easily available, and the results on pozzolanic reactivity of CSA are satisfactory. The auto-combustion could be used by low-income communities to reduce Portland cement clinker use and to recover waste.

Effect of Ground Diatomite on Early Strength of Self-Compacting Mortars

Portland cement fabrication is a significant factor that increases the amount of carbon dioxide released into nature. For this reason, it is very important to use natural and waste materials with pozzolanic properties instead of portland cement. In this article, the usability of diatomite rock, a natural pozzolanic material that can be substituted with portland cement, in the manufacture of self-compacting mortar was studied. In the experimental study, prismatic specimens with dimensions of 40 × 40 × 160 mm were used to examine the impact of ground diatomite on the early age mechanical properties of self-compacting mortar; it was produced by replacing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% of diatomite with portland cement, respectively. The slump-flow test to obtain self-compacting mortar was conducted according to the European Federation of Specialized Construction Chemicals and Concrete Systems guidance. Specimens prepared using 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% diatomite were cured in water at 23±2 ̊C temperature for 3 days. 3-day (early age) flexural and compressive strength worths were gained for the samples whose curing period was completed. As a result of this experimental study, it was specified that the highest strengths were in the series containing 5% diatomite, exceeding the reference samples. Additionally, it has been determined that mechanical strength decreases when the diatomite ratio in mixtures is more than 5%.

Physico-Mechanical Characterization of Masonry Mortars for Sustainable Construction: Experimental Study with Four Different Aggregates

The construction sector generates a strong environmental impact every year as a result of the high consumption of raw materials and the large waste volumes associated with this productive activity. In this sense, the search for alternative and sustainable solutions that allow progress towards responsible economic growth has become a priority activity. This work presents an exhaustive characterisation of masonry mortars made with four different types of aggregates: standard sand, natural sand, concrete waste recycled sand and ceramic components recovered sand. Differently from other studies, this research addresses the previous characterisation of the aggregates as raw material for the manufacture of masonry mortars, and, afterwards, a study of the most relevant properties for these cement composites in the fresh and hardened state is carried out. The most relevant properties of the mortars made with these raw materials are presented, and the repercussion of aggregate washing on their physical-mechanical characteristics is analysed. The results show how mortars made with 100% recycled aggregate can be competitive in the industry, presenting excellent properties in the fresh state and achieving an optimal mechanical strength. In addition, it has been observed that the introduction of a previous washing step of the aggregates improves their physical-mechanical properties and results in a higher quality of the cement mortars finally produced. In this way, the most representative properties of this type of materials have been collected in a well-structured and complete way, thus showing their possibilities of application in the construction industry.

A contribution to the study of mortars prepared with recycled sand

No one denies that today concrete is the most used material in the field of civil engineering. It is widely admitted that the production of concrete necessitates large quantities of fine aggregates, specifically river sand and crushed sand. Moreover, the excessive exploitation of river sand, which generally causes a multitude of environmental problems, has pushed the majority of governments around the world to issue rules for the purpose of limiting or preventing the illegal extraction of river sand. The present article aims primarily to make a contribution to studying the possibility of replacing natural sand (NS) and crushed sand (CS) with recycled sand (RS) in ternary mortars, at proportions ranging from 20% to 100%. The consistency of the mixtures, the densities in the fresh and hardened state, the compressive strength after 3, 14 and 28 days of hardening, as well as the absorption of water by immersion and by capillarity at 28 days, were determined and discussed. It should be noted that the (W/C) ratio was set at 0.7 for all mixtures. The experimental results showed that recycled sand could be successfully used as an alternative to natural sand, up to a rate of 40%, for the manufacture of ternary mortars without significantly affecting their properties.

Sustainable Concrete Production: Utilizing Cow Dung Ash and Corn Stalk Ash as Eco-Friendly Alternatives

This study aims to determine whether it is feasible to replace conventional materials used in manufacturing concrete with waste materials, namely cow dung ash and corn stalk ash. This study proposes to assess the possibility of using these agricultural by-products to improve the sustainability of concrete while simultaneously tackling the environmental issues related to the manufacture of conventional concrete. The research aims to assess the mechanical qualities, optimize the mix proportions, and examine the ecological implications of using these substitute materials. This research aims to mitigate environmental challenges like carbon dioxide emissions, resource depletion, and the accumulation of agricultural waste by combining agricultural waste and lowering dependency on traditional cement. The study investigates the use of cow dung ash (CDA) and corn stalk ash (CSA) as alternatives for conventional Portland cement (OPC) in mortar mixes at varying quantities, ranging from 5% to 25% CDA and 2.5% to 10% CSA. Chemical composition reveals that CDA and CSA predominantly comprise O, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, and Ca. The workability, hardened characteristics, and microstructure of CDA and CSA were assessed. Increasing CDA and CSA percentages reduced mortar workability; nevertheless, replacing 8% to 10% CDA and 7.5% CSA maintained compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths comparable to control mixes. However, more significant CDA and CSA proportions resulted in lower mortar strength. For example, 10% CDA-enriched mortar had a compressive strength of 31.77 N/mm2, a tensile strength of 3.42 N/mm2, and a flexural strength of 3.61 N/mm2, whereas 7.5% CSA-enriched mortar had a compressive strength of 28.4 N/mm2, a tensile strength of 3.04 N/mm2, and a flexural strength of 3.7 N/mm2. According to the findings, CDA and CSA can replace OPC by up to 10% and 7.5% in mortar manufacturing, making cementitious material alternatives viable. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-SP2024-010-02 Full Text: PDF

Using clustering as pre-processing in the framework of signal unmixing for exhaustive exploration of archaeological artefacts in Raman imaging

Analytical chemistry on archaeological material is an essential part of modern archaeological investigations and from year to year, instrumental improvement has made it possible to generate data at a high spatial and temporal frequency. In particular, Raman spectral imaging can be successfully applied in archaeological research by its simplicity of implementation to study past human societies through the analysis of their material remains. This technique makes it possible to simultaneously obtain spatial and spectral information by preserving sample integrity. However, because of the inherent complexity of the samples in Archaeology (e.g. seniority, fragility, lack or full absence of any information about its composition), chemical interpretation can be difficult at first glance. Indeed, specific problems of spectral selectivity related to unexpected chemical compounds could appear due to their state of conservation. Furthermore, detecting minor compounds becomes challenging as major components impose their contributions in the acquired spectra. Therefore, a relevant chemometric approach has been introduced in this context to characterize distinct spectral sources in a Raman imaging dataset of an archaeological specimen – a mosaic fragment. The fragment was unearthed during the Ruscino archaeological dig on the outskirts of Perpignan, France. It dates back to the oppidum period. The aim is to extract selective spectral information from pixel clustering analysis in order to enhance the initial optimisation step within the Multivariate Curve Resolution and Alternating Least-Squares (MCR-ALS) algorithm, a well-known signal unmixing technique. The underlying principle of the MCR-ALS is that the acquired spectra can be expressed as linear combinations of pure spectra of all individual components present in the chemical system under study. Sometimes it can be difficult to obtain the desired results through the algorithm, particularly if initial estimates of spectral or concentration profiles are inaccurate due to complex signals, noise or lack of selectivity, resulting in rank deficiency (i.e. a poor estimation of the total number of pure signals). For this reason, an innovative threshold-based clustering algorithm, combined with multiple Orthogonal Projection Approaches (OPA), has been developed to improve matrix rank investigation and thus the initialisation step of the MCR-ALS approach before optimisation. The effective analysis of Raman imaging data for an archaeological mosaic played a crucial role in uncovering significant chemical information about a particular biogenic material. This insight sheds light on the origins of mortar manufacture during the oppidum period.

Fabrication and Mechanical Evaluation of Eco-Friendly Geopolymeric Mortars Derived from Ignimbrite and Demolition Waste from the Construction Industry in Peru

Ignimbrite rock is a volcanic material located in the Arequipa region (Peru), and for centuries, it has been used as a construction material, giving a characteristic light pastel, white to pink color to the city of Arequipa, with white being the most common. In the present study, the potential use of three types of Arequipa raw materials (ignimbrite rock powder, calcined clay powder, and demolition mortar powder) as the main source of new binders or the manufacture of environmentally friendly mortars, without the addition of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is discussed. In this work, an in-depth characterization of the materials used was carried out. The proposed fabrication route for geopolymeric materials was considered for the manufacture of binders and mortars using an alkaline solution of NaOH with values between 12 and 18 molar, as a trigger for the geopolymerization process. Geopolymeric mortars were obtained by adding a controlled amount of fine sand to the previously prepared mixture of binder raw material and an alkaline solution. Conventional OPC and geopolymeric mortars manufactured under the same conditions were mechanically evaluated by uniaxial compression tests at a constant compression rate of 0.05 mm/min and under normal conditions of temperature and atmosphere, where the most optimal values were obtained for 15 molar alkaline solutions of ignimbrite without the addition of aggregates, with values of compressive strength of 42 MPa and a modulus elastic of 30 GPa. The results revealed a significant increase in the maximum strength and modulus of elasticity values when the volumetric fractions of OPC are completely replaced with geopolymeric binders in the study conditions of this work, demonstrating the enormous potential of the ignimbrite rock and construction waste studied, as raw material of alternative mortar binders without the addition of OPC. With this work, the ignimbrite rock, of great value in the region and also found in other areas of the Earth’s geography, was characterized and valued, in addition to the calcined clay and demolition mortar of the region.

Additive Manufacturing of Earth-Based Materials: A Literature Review on Mortar Composition, Extrusion, and Processing Earth.

Increasing concerns about global warming and its impact on the environment reinforce the need for new materials and technologies. Additive manufacturing has become more relevant due to its potential to build sustainable and more energy-efficient constructions. However, the materials employed within the technology are not yet fully sustainable. Researchers employing clay as the main binder have found that, besides protecting the environment, it benefits passive control of indoor temperature and relative humidity and contributes to comfort. The mortar design as well as the necessary technological adaptations for the 3D printing of earth mortars are addressed. From a material perspective, this paper reviewed and analyzed the recent developments in additive manufacturing of clay-based mortars, highlighting the main gaps and providing recommendations for future developments in this field.

Bentonite Clays from Southeastern Spain as Sustainable Natural Materials for the Improvement of Cements, Mortars and Concretes

The effects of global climate change are becoming more evident and accelerating at an unprecedented pace. For this reason, human activities urgently need a paradigm shift to stop this entropic process before the consequences become irreversible. In this sense, the use of highly eco-efficient materials aimed at conveniently neutralizing CO2 greenhouse gas emissions entering into the atmosphere can contribute significantly to mitigating and reversing this process. This work aims to demonstrate the positive effects obtained when Portland cement is partially replaced by bentonite clays of volcano-sedimentary origin. The samples were initially characterized by various methods, such as Thin-Section Petrographic Study (TSP) and the analysis of mineral phases with XRD, chemical composition was determined via XRF, and morphological analysis was determined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To determine the technical properties of the samples, a qualitative chemical analysis (QCA) was performed, as well as a chemical analysis of pozzolanicity (CAP) at 8 and 15 days, respectively, and a study of the mechanical compressive strengths at 2, 7, 28 and 90 days. Characterization studies using TSP, DRX, FRX and SEM established that these bentonite clays have a complex mineralogical variety, composed mainly of smectite, mordenite, plagioclase and biotite, as well as altered volcanic glass and sericite. The results of the qualitative chemical analysis establish that more than 93% of the SiO2 present in the samples is reactive. Chemical analysis of pozzolanicity (CAP) showed significant pozzolanic behavior in all samples analyzed at both 8 and 15 days, while mechanical tests highlighted significant increases in mechanical strengths, with maximum values varying between 52.2 and 70.6 MPa at 90 days. These results show that the materials can be used as quality pozzolans for the manufacture of cements, mortars and concretes, which could be considered as a favorable factor and, therefore, relevant in the management and control of greenhouse gas emissions responsible for the deterioration of the environment.

MECHANICALS PROPERTIES OF MORTARS BASED ON GLASS WASTE AS A PARTIAL REPLACEMENT FOR CEMENT

The various activities of man continuously generate countless quantities of waste (plastics, glass, wood, domestic waste, etc.), a significant proportion of which inevitably ends up in inappropriate landfill sites. Since the beginning of the 21st century, many materials have been recycled. The present study is part of this recycling effort, with the aim of using construction waste to reduce the environmental footprint of cement. An experimental campaign was carried out to assess the effect on the physico-mechanical properties of mortars to which recovered and finely ground glass powder was added. Cement CEM II 32.5 R was substituted by glass powder in proportions of 5, 10, 15 and 20 %. The water/cement ratio was set at 0.26 to ensure consistency and set time, while a W/C ratio of 0.5 was used for the manufacture of mortars subjected to compression and bending tests. The results were compared with those obtained with the reference mortar. Maximum optimum strength was obtained at a dosage of 20 %. These comparisons show that the addition of glass powder has a beneficial effect on the mechanical and physical characteristics of the various mortars studied. This is a promising application for this waste, which still needs to be confirmed by further testing.

Investigation of the pore structure performance of dune sand mortar with ceramic waste

The use of construction waste in creating concrete and mortar is an important process that not only offers economic benefits but also helps protect the environment by reducing waste in rural and urban areas. This experimental study aims to investigate the effect of adding crushed ceramic waste (CCW) and crushed brick waste (CBW) on the bulk density, workability, compressive and flexural strengths, water absorption and microstructural properties of dune sand mortar. To determine changes in porosity, the study uses the mercury intrusion porosimetry technique to measure porosity and pore size distribution. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses are conducted to examine the microstructure and size of the voids using an electron microscope, and photographs of voids in the mortar matrix are taken. By replacing 15% of the sand with CCW and CBW, the compactness and mechanical strength of the dune sand mortar are enhanced, increasing the dynamic modulus of elasticity by around 29 and 26%, respectively. This is due to the pozzolanic activity of these residues, which mainly occur in the form of medium and small capillaries in all the mortars studied, reducing the diameter of the pores.

Influence of setting time and compressive strength for coal bottom ash as partial cement replacement in mortar

Environmental degradation from forestry practices to extract limestone from mountains, as well as subsequent calcination in cement factories and dumping of coal bottom ash (CBA) waste from thermal power plants, are among the wastes from industry. However, it is essential for the construction industry to look for sustainable solutions to mitigate the negative impact on the environment. In order to promote an environmentally friendly and sustainable ecosystem, the use of recycled CBA waste as a partial substitute for cement in the manufacturing process has significant potential to mitigate the environmental damage caused by the two distinct sectors of cement and waste management. A series of six mortar preparations were prepared, each containing varying percentages of CBA as a partial substitute for cement. The percentages used ranged from 0% to 50% by weight of cement. The time tests were performed on freshly prepared pastes. All samples were cured with water until the respective test time was reached. The experiment included the evaluation of the compressive strength of hardened mortar cubes at three different time intervals: 7, 14 and 28 days. The findings of the study demonstrate that the incorporation of CBA as a partial substitute for cement affects both the setting time and the compressive strength of the mortar. It has been shown that the use of up to 20% CBA as a cement replacement effectively increases the compressive strength of the mortar. Conclusively, the successful use of CBA as a partial substitute for cement in the manufacture of mortar has the potential to reduce the amount of cement consumed, eliminate the need for landfill space for waste disposal, and contribute to the production of a more sustainable environment, thereby promoting a better lifestyle for the surrounding population.

Pemanfaatan Abu Sekam Padi Sebagai Bahan Pengganti Semen Pada Pembuatan Mortar di Desa Durian Dangkal Kabupaten Lahat

Durian Dangkal Village is a village that has abundant rice production which causes quite a lot of rice husk ash waste and has not been used for construction materials, rice husk ash which is usually only used as scouring ash and plant fertilizer. In this service activity, rice husk ash is used as a substitute for cement for the manufacture of geopolymer mortar. Geopolymer mortar is a mortar whose main material contains pozzolanic materials. The use of rice husk ash as a substitute for cement can reduce CO2 emissions and waste which can improve environmental quality. This service is carried out to increase public knowledge about waste processing which can be utilized in construction and has high selling power. The manufacture of geopolymer mortar was carried out by counseling and training methods which were directly demonstrated to the community and produced geopolymer mortar samples with cement as a substitute for rice husk ash.

Utilization Of Eggshell Powder Waste As An Added Material To Mortar

In the development of increasingly developed technology and the demands of the community's needs for infrastructure facilities, it also affects the development of a construction field. This is also no exception in the manufacture of mortar which is used as a non-structural material in buildings. In making mortar itself, it is also influenced by developing technological developments, one of the types affected is pozzolan mortar. Pozzolan mortar has added materials derived from nature or industrial waste. In Indonesia, waste from eggshells is increasing every year, because eggshells are one of the people's favorite food ingredients. The eggshells have contain calcium carbonate (CaCO3) compound which is an element than cement. The materials of making the mortar itself are water, cement, and sand. This research aims to utilize egg shell waste as an added material in mortar with variations in the percentage of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% eggshell powder. From the results obtained, the addition of eggshell powder at maximum compressive strength lies at a percentage of 15% of 300 MPa.

Study on some Properties of Sustainable Mortar Incorporating Processed Waste Tea Ash

The use of industrial waste materials as a substitute for cement in the manufacture of mortar is an alternative approach to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in building construction. In this study, processed waste tea ash (PWTA) obtained from the extraction tea plant was used to partially replace 0-40% cement in the manufacture of mortar. The effects of PWTA on the basic engineering properties of mortar are evaluated and compared to mortar without PWTA. Test results showed that workability and density of mortar decreased with increases in the PWTA content. Furthermore, no decline in compressive strength of concrete was observed up to 20% replacement of cement with PWTA at 7, 28 and 90 days and beyond that, the compressive strength decreased. Results obtained from this study indicate that PWTA can be used as partial replacement of cement up to 20% with comparable strength with normal mortar. This approach helps to minimize the usage of cement in mortar production and can reduce the negative impact of PWTA on the environment.

Effect of the sands close to the mascara region in the manufacture of self-compacting mortars

Sand plays a very important role during the manufacture of concrete and mortar for the need of civil engineering and building. It influences both the properties of cementary materials in the fresh state and in the hardened state. The objective of this work is the development of self-compacting mortars with the various sands existing in the region of the city of Mascara for the main study of mechanical performance. Six sands were used for this purpose: three natural sands and three crushed sands. The tests carried out during this research are: physical tests, tests in the fresh state and tests on hardened mortars. The results to which our research has led is that self-compacting mortars made with crushed sands give a granular skeleton with high compactness and superior mechanical performance compared to self-compacting mortars made with natural sands.

Eco-effective Sustainable Risk Assessment Model for homogeneous solid waste mortars based on the Cradle to Cradle paradigm

Introduction The unrestricted use of non-renewable natural resources in masonry mortars and the rapid increase in solid waste contribute to the deterioration of the environment. It is a priority for the United Nations to promote growth without compromising the ability of new generations to attend to their own; for this purpose, 17 Sustainable Development Goals for all countries have been formulated. The present work arises from the need to propose a model to evaluate, in the design phase, homogeneous solid waste and total or partial substitutes for some of the components of the mortars used in the construction sector, based on the Cradle to Cradle paradigm, which has the objective of including improved materials for the health of living beings and the environment by establishing a circular system in the manufacture of mortars including only safe and healthy materials that can be reused with a guarantee of not affecting the health of living beings and the environment and contributing to sustainability. Methods Based on the positivist epistemological current, projective documentary research begins by analyzing scientific publications that recommend the use of solid waste only to verify its rheological properties, ignoring how the inclusion of this material can affect living beings and the environment; it is contrasted with the results of published public access research regarding the chemical substances that make up said material. Results The eco-effective model is designed and its application is validated in identifying potential risks to the health of living beings and the environment in the waste of the selected cases; recommending the avoidance of recycling those materials that cause concern; contributing improved mortar designs for living beings and the planet, which minimize the use of natural resources and increase productivity in the field of construction; and implementing this vision through continuous development and improvement. Conclusions The eco-effective model facilitates doing the right things from the design stage, promoting growth with opportunities, diversity, and abundance for the present generation as well as future generations.

Recovery of Glass Waste in the Manufacture of Cement Mortar

Almond powder of Irvingia smithii has been incorporated, at the doses of 25 and 50 %, in mice standard ration (prepared by Matadi mill), at INRB, composed of wheat flour, wheat bran and pellets for rabbits to evaluate weight gain, live weight gain and feed conversion and to assess motor activity after 50 days of feeding. Results showed an average increase in live weight gain of 31.08% and 8.36% for the groups of mice fed food supplemented with Irvingia smithii almond powder respectively at 25% and 50% higher than the group of control mice fed exclusively with the standard food. On the other hand, the food consumption index (F.C.I) was very low for the group of mice fed with the food supplemented at 50% (F.C.I. 27.73) and low for the group of mice fed 25% supplemented food (F.C.I. 64.83) compared to the control group (F.I.C. 108,14). In addition, the groups of mice fed the supplemented food did not show motor weakness, even fewer respiratory complications or health problems compared to the control during these 50 days of observation. Live weight gain sufficiently demonstrates the nutritional value of the kernel of I. smithii.

Characterization of Ceramic and Concrete Wastes from CDW as Secondary Raw Materials for Mortar Applications

The construction sector uses high quantities of raw materials and consequently the demolition sector generates huge amounts of waste. Envisioning the future of the construction sector, new Circular Economy Business Models should be implemented to contribute to the development of the sector. These Business Models will be based on innovative recycling techniques able to provide the technical requirements of the construction materials. This work aims to valorize ceramic and concrete wastes as aggregates for the mortar manufacturing. The chemical composition of these materials with high proportion of silica and very low quantities of sulfates makes them appropriate for their application. The wastes were previously crushed to the required particle size (6mm). The crushed ceramic waste presents an important fines proportion, which will increase the water consumption in the mortar mixes.