Comparative Study of Sustainable Mortar Using Different Strength Indices

Abstract

Cement is the most effective construction material, but at the same time, it has a negative environmental impact. Therefore, researchers take such an impact seriously after decades of using various techniques. Massive waste accumulation has had a negative impact on both city elegance and human health. So it was necessary to employ crushed brick waste powder (CBWP) as supplemental cementitious materials (SCM) to reduce the waste bricks produced by the brick industry. Clay brick industry waste that has been fired can be obtained. This waste can be used for SCM, which minimizes industrial waste and protects natural resources. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was used to analyze the chemical composition of (CBWP). The mortar testing program included: workability, compressive strength, the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test, compressive strength of portions of prisms, and flexural strength. Moreover, the cement mortar samples with 0%, 30%, 35%, and 40% replacing cement with CBWP were conducted to achieve the research aim. Results indicate that the chemical composition of the brick powder complies with the pozzolanic material requirements.

Furthermore, with 30% cement replacement, the compressive strength significantly improved; inversely, strength decreased as the CBWP percentage increased. Therefore, for mortar manufacturing of, it was advised to utilize no more than 30 percent of the CBWP used as a replacement for cement.