Influence of Ultra Fine Glass Powder on the Properties and Microstructure of Mortars

This study focuses on the effect of ultrafine waste glass powder on cement strength,gas permeability and pore structure.Varying contents were considered,with particle sizes ranging from 2 to 20μm.Moreover,alkali activation was considered to ameliorate the reactivity and cementitious properties,which were assessed by using scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS),and specific surface area pore size distribution analysis.According to the results,without the addition of alkali activators,the performance of glass powder mortar decreases as the amount of glass powder increases,affecting various aspects such as strength and resistance to gas permeability.Only 5%glass powder mortar demonstrated a compressive strength at 60 days higher than that of the control group.However,adding alkali activator(CaO)during hydration ameliorated the hydration environment,increased the alkalinity of the composite system,activated the reactivity of glass powder,and enhanced the interaction of glass powder and pozzolanic reaction.In general,compared to ordinary cement mortar,alkali-activated glass powder mortar produces more hydration products,showcases elevated density,and exhibits improved gas resistance.Furthermore,alkali-activated glass powder mortar demonstrates an improvement in performance across various aspects as the content increases.At a substitution rate of 15%,the glass powder mortar reaches its optimal levels of strength and resistance to gas permeability,with a compressive strength increase ranging from 28.4%to 34%,and a gas permeation rate reduction between 51.8%and 66.7%.

Diversity and Importance of Benin’s Forests and Agroforestry Systems Woody Species in Mortars and Pestles Manufacture

The disappearance of resources with high genetic potential and great utility for people and the challenge of the conservation and sustainable management of these resources are two opposing facts of which the world is now concerned. In Benin, forests and agroforestry systems complement each other in wood supply for mortar and pestle manufacture. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the diversity of woody species used for mortar and pestle manufacture and to analyze the preferences of manufacturers through an ethnobotanical approach. Based on the snowball sampling method, and interviews with 112 manufacturers from different ethnic groups, we identified 31 tree species. These species belong to 30 genera and 13 plant families. The Fabaceae are more represented with 14 species (i.e. 45% of the total). Ten are frequently used. But there are four species, such as Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn., Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) Taub., Terminalia glaucescens Planch. ex Benth. and Pericopsis laxiflora (Benth.) Meeuwen, which are highly preferred by manufacturers respectively. The calculation of the Indexes of Possession of Global Knowledge (IPSG) revealed that the ethnic group Nagot (0.204) possessed more knowledge and is followed by Mahi (0.201) and Fon (0.18) respectively. Forests and agroforestry systems are both supply sites for manufacturers. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test proved that there are no significant differences between the species’ preference for mortars or pestles manufacture (v = 181, p-value = 0.38). Since the trees cutting in agroforestry systems can be destructive to them, provisions such as the promotion of agroforestry in rural areas and the integration of the used species in the reforestations programs must be taken to curb the pressure and contribute to the conservation of the biodiversity.

Strength Development of Cement-Slag Mortars

In this experimental work, three groups of cement-slag mortars namely OPC, OPC-slag, and slag mortars were made. All were cured in both water and air under room temperature. Strength development was studied up to 90 days. The mortars were prepared using 0%, 50%, and 100% replacement with slag. The sensitivity for all groups was obtained against the curing regime with the highest being attributed to the slag mortars. The highest and lowest strengths at early ages were attributed to OPC and slag mortars when both were cured in water. The highest and lowest strengths were attributed to OPC-slag and slag mortars at later ages, respectively. The highest strengths for OPC-slag, OPC, and slag mortars were as 72.0, 64.0, and 21.5 MPa at 90 days when the specimens cured in water, respectively. Strength loss was observed for all groups at later ages when cured in air under room temperature. The maximum and minimum, of about 8.0% and 1.3%, occurred at 56 and 90 days for slag and OPC-slag mortars, respectively.

Effect of graphene on mechanical properties of cement mortars

Functionalized graphene nano-sheets(FGN) of 0.01%-0.05%(mass fraction) were added to produce FGN-cement composites in the form of mortars. Flow properties, mechanical properties and microstructure of the cementitious material were then investigated. The results indicate that the addition of FGN decreases the fluidity slightly and improves mechanical properties of cement-based composites significantly. The highest strength is obtained with FGN content of 0.02% where the flexural strength and compressive strength at 28 days are 12.917 MPa and 52.42 MPa, respectively. Besides, scanning electron micrographs show that FGN can regulate formation of massive compact cross-linking structures and thermo gravimetric analysis indicates that FGN can accelerate the hydration reaction to increase the function of the composite effectively.

Influence of the Steel-making Dust on High Temperature and Fatigue Performance of Asphalt Mortars

To research the possibility of steel-making dust as a kind of mineral filler in asphalt mixture, two steel-making dusts and one ordinary mineral filler were adopted. The specific density, specific surface area, fineness modulus and mineralogy component of the dusts were tested. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) was carried out to research the microstructure of the dusts; dynamic shear rheological(DSR) test and time sweep test were used to research the high temperature and fatigue performance of asphalt mortars containing steel-making dust. The experimental results indicate that, compared with ordinary mineral filler, steel-making dusts have more active ingredients, difference surface characteristics and micro-structure. Furthermore, the high temperature and fatigue performance of steel-making dusts corresponding asphalt mortars are superior to those of reference group. Therefore, the steel-making dust would be an alternative to the ordinary mineral filler to improve the performance of asphalt mortars and reduce the harm of the dusts to the environment at the same time.

Mathematical models for properties of mortars with admixtures and recycled fine aggregates from demolished concretes

In order to expand the engineering application of recycle aggregate mortars （RAM） with aggregates from demolished concretes, the models for the properties of RAM and the replacement rate of these recycled fine aggregates were proposed. First, different kinds of mathematical models for the basic properties （compressive strength, water retention rate, and consistency loss） of RAM with two kinds of admixtures, thickening powders （TP） and self-made powdery admixtures （SSCT） designed for RAM, and the replacement rates were established, while the average relative errors and relative standard errors of these models were calculated. Additionally, the models and their error analyses for the curves of drying shrinkage and curing time of RAM ＋ SSCT at different replacement rates were put forward. The results show that polynomial functions should be used to calculate the basic properties of RAM ＋ TP and RAM ＋ SSCT at different replacement rates. In addition, polynonfial functions are the most optimal models for the sharp shrinkage sections in the curves of drying shrinkage-curing time of RAM ＋ SSCT, while exponential functions should be used as the models for the slow shrinkage sections and steady shrinkage sections.

Corrosion Behavior of Reinforcement Steel Embedded in Cement Mortars Using Different Protection Systems

Although reinforced concrete structures are able to withstand towards a variety of adverse environmental conditions, reinforcement corrosion could lead to concrete structure deterioration. The present study examines four different ways of using corrosion inhibitors against pitting corrosion. In particular, it was investigated the chloride penetration resistance of reinforced cement mortars using corrosion inhibitor applied in three different ways. The corrosion behavior of the specimens was evaluated by electrochemical methods such as Linear Polarization Resistance and Halfcell Potential Resistance. In addition, the mass loss of steel rebars against time of partially immersion in sodium chloride (NaCl) solution was carried out in the lab. The experimental results showed that the corrosion systems examined in the study provide anticorrosion protection on steel rebars against chlorides comparing with the reference group.

Nitride Bonded Refractory Products and Their Matching Mortars

1 Scope This standard specifies the definition, classification, brand, shape, dimension, technical requirements, test methods, quality appraisal procedures, packing, marking, storage, transportation and quality certificate of nitride bonded refractory products and their matching mortars.

High Alumina Refractory Mortars

1 Scope This standard specifies the classification, technical requirements, test methods, quality appraisal procedure, packing, marking, transportation, storage and quality certificate of high alumina refractory mortars.

Magnesia,Magnesia-alumina and Magnesia-chrome Refractory Mortars

This standard specifies the classification, technical requirements, test methods, quality appraisal procedures, packing, marking, transportation, storage, and quality certificate of magnesia, magnesia - alumina and magnesiachrome refractory mortars.

Evaluation of the Properties of Cement Pastes and Mortars Used in the Encapsulation of Bituminized Waste to be Disposed in a Near-Surface Repository

The Brazilian repository is being planned to be a near-surface one. In Brazil, the low and intermediate level radioactive wastes are immobilized using cement and bitumen for nuclear plant Angra 1 and Angra 2, respectively. The major problems due to the disposal of bituminized wastes in repositories are swelling of the waste products and their degrad^ttion in the long term. To accommodate the swelling of the bituminized wastes, the drums are filled up to 70-90% of their volume, which reduces the structural the repository stability and the disposal availability. Countries, which use bitumen in the solidification of NPP＇s radioactive waste and have near-surface repositories, need to immobilize this bituminized waste within other drums containing cement pastes or mortars to disposal them. This study aims to evaluate the properties of bitumen, cement pastes and mortars to be used in the encapsulation of bituminized wastes. The formulations of two pastes and two mortars were selected for the pilot scale tests. The laboratory and pilot scales results were very similar, indicating that any of these formulations could be used. However, the better formulation will be chosen after the leaching test results, because it is an essential parameter in the long-term repository performance.

Silica Refractory Mortars

This standard specifies the classification, technical requirements, test methods, quality appraisal procedures, packing, marking, transportation, storage, and quality certificate of silica refractory mortars.

Fireclay Refractory Mortars

1 Scope This standard specifies the classification, technical requirements, test methods, quality appraisal procedure, packing, marking, transportation, storage and quality certificate of fireclay refractory mortars.

Corrosion Protection of CNTs/CNFs Modified Cement Mortars

The aim of this study is to examine the performance of nano additives in two different sets of mortar specimens armed with reinforcing steel rebars. In particular, three sets of reinforced concrete cylinders with additives of 0.1% wt of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have been exposed to a solution of 3.5% NaCl, and further examined for the impact of nano-modification on corrosion performance. The anti-corrosive performance of these additives was investigated through linear polarization technique (LPR), mass loss and mercury porosimetry technique (MIP). From the investigation results, it is found that the addition of CNTs/CNFs causes lower steel corrosion, whereas the pore structure of concrete with CNTs/CNFs can significantly reduce the mass loss rate and the relative permeability.

Technological Evolution of Historic Structural Mortars

Mortars are among the first building materials used in constructions, even from prehistoric times （8th millennium BC）. Their study reveals a great source of information regarding the evolution of their technological characteristics and application techniques, the availability and exploitation of raw materials, as well the wider socio-economic aspects of each era. The aim of this paper is to comparatively evaluate the analysis results from approximately 1,000 structural mortar samples taken from various monuments and historic buildings of Greece, dated from the Hellenistic period, until the beginning of the 20th century. The analysis focused in the determination of their physico-mechanical and chemical properties, such as porosity, apparent specific gravity, mechanical strength, aggregates type and granulometry and chemical composition. Through the results＇ evaluation, significant remarks can be made upon the evolution of the raw materials used （binding system, aggregates, additives）, as well as regarding the final properties of historic structural mortars. It is concluded that hydrated lime was the main binding agent used for a long-lasting period of 2.5 millenniums, while mixed type binding systems based on lime and natural pozzolan were systematically used for producing durable mortars, resistant to humidity. In any case, it seems that ancient masons were fully aware of the significant role of mortars in constructions and were capable of exploiting the available raw materials and application techniques to the maximum.

Preparation of Rapid Hardening Mortars Using Ultrafine Portland Cement

During the hydration process, the Ultra-fine Cements present specific physical and chemical characteristics; they are, very short setting time and high heat release. For special applications, such as rapid hardening and early high strength mortars or concretes, these characteristics can be considered advantageous. Some commercial products used for concrete reinforcement and repairs are the Rapid Hardening Mortars, these mortars must develop a time of setting up to 3 h and an initial compressive strength of about 3.5 MPa once the hardening of the paste is reached. The objective of the present research work is to use Ultra-fine Cement for the preparation of a series of different Rapid Hardening Mortars （with different percentages of Ultra-fine Cement）, these mortars required the addition of a polycarboxylate-base specification F Superplasticizer. It was observed that the optimum water/cement （W/C） ratio for the hydration of the Ultra-fine Cements is W/C = 0.385. The Ultra-fine Cements were obtained by the High Energy Ball-milling technique at laboratory scale, 90% of the Particle Size Distribution is below 11 μm and the Blaine Specific Surface Area is over 9000 cm^2/g.

Dynamic Modulus of Elasticity of Some Mortars Prepared from Selected Jordanian Masonry Cements

In light of the highly demanding cement market in Jordan, comprehensive studies should be undertaken to investigate the properties of the different cement types. This paper studies the Dynamic modulus of elasticity (DME) at 2, 7 and 28 days in mortars using six cement Jordanian types with CaO contents less than that of the ordinary Portland cements. It was found that the DME has strong relation with compressive strength. At the age of 28 days the mortars had some different values of DME. One important result of our work is that DME at the age of 28 days can be derived from those of the two days mixes. To account for the differences in dynamic modulus of elasticity with time, it is highly recommended to study in detail the mortars petrography under the light microscope. Using the scanning electron microscope (SEM), usually with attachment for chemical analysis at the crystal scale, in addition to X-ray diffraction technique may help characterization of the cement phases qualitatively and quantitatively.

Effect of Waste Oil-Cracking Catalyst Incorporation on Durability of Mortars

This paper presents research on transport properties and alkali-silica reaction (ASR) susceptibility of mortars containing a pozzolanic waste generated in the fluid catalytic cracking (wFCC) unit by the Portuguese oil-refinery. For this purpose, two series of mortars were prepared by partially replacing cement with 5%, 10% and 15% of wFCC catalyst. The main difference between the two series of mortars is the sand reactivity used in their composition. The results revealed that wFCC catalyst blended cement mortars exhibit an increased resistance against capillary water absorption and chloride migration, as well as a considerable inhibition effect on deleterious ASR expansion. However, under the adopted experimental conditions the incorporation of wFCC catalyst in mortars decreases their carbonation resistance.

Corrosion Resistance and Physical-Mechanical Properties of Reinforced Mortars with and without Carbon Nanotubes

Following the evolution of currently enforced Performance Based Design standards of reinforced concrete (RC) structures for durability, the designer, rather than complying with given prescriptive limits, may instead specify a cementitious mix design that is proven to exhibit a code prescribed resistance level (class) to a given exposure environment. Such compliance will lead to the protection of the steel reinforcement from corrosion and the cementitious mortar from degradation, during the design lifespan of the structure, under aggressive environmental exposure conditions such as, marine or deicing salts and carbonation. In this context, the enhancement of the physical and durability properties of common cement-based mortars under chloride exposure are experimentally investigated herein. In particular, the experimental program reported herein aims to evaluate the influence of incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the physical and mechanical properties of reinforced mortars against chloride ions. Furthermore, the anticorrosion protection of cementitious composites prepared with nanomaterials at 0.2% w/w is further investigated, by comparing all test results against reference specimens prepared without any additive. Electrochemical (Half-cell potential, corrosion current) and mass loss of reinforcement steel measurements were performed, while the porosity, capillary absorption and flexural strength were measured to evaluate the mechanical and durability characteristics of the mortars, following a period of exposure of eleven months;SEM images coupled with EDX analysis were further recorded and used for microstructure observation. The test results indicate that the inclusion of the nanomaterials in the mix improved the durability of the mortar specimens, while the nano-modified composites exhibited higher chloride penetration resistance and flexural strength than the corresponding values of the reference mortars. The test results and the comparison between nanomodified and reference mortars showed that the use of CNTs as addition led to protection of steel reinforcing bars against pitting corrosion and a significant improvement in flexural strength and porosity of the mortars.

Effect of the Mineralogical Composition of Limestone on the Properties of Mortars

Limestone has been used as a partial substitute for cement, due to its beneficial effect on mechanical properties of mortars and concretes. In the present research, we studied the effect of the mineralogical composition in mortars produced from limestone samples collected in different areas of Mozambique, using two cement types (Portland cement 32.5N and 42.5N). Additions of 10 to 25% limestone gave, in general and for the 32.5N cement, good results of the compressive strength for all limestone samples, while for the 42.5N only the Massinga samples performed well. Effect of the limestone additions on the flexural strength showed a beneficial effect for all samples and at all compositions studied, when using the 42.5N cement, while for the 32.5N cement only additions of 10% limestone gave values of the flexural strength higher than the reference material, with the exception of the Magude samples.