Role of construction industry wastes on the properties of mortars

Abstract

This study investigated the performance of cement mortars prepared by substituting 30% and 60% of crushed calcareous fine aggregate (CNA) with waste fine aggregates namely, crushed brick aggregate (CBA), crushed marble aggregate (CMA) and crushed ceramic aggregate (CCA). For this purpose, absorption, unit weight, compressive strength, flexural strength, resistance to high temperature up to 400 oC and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles were determined for these mortars. In addition, XRF analysis was performed on cement and waste aggregates. From the experimental results, it is found that CBA mortars exhibited the lowest strength values and worst durability properties. However, CBA and especially CCA mortars were more effective in relative strength gain at 56 days