volumechange and strength characteristics of normal and high-strength mortars: effect of aggregate type and water-binder ratio

Figures & data

Table 1. Chemical composition of cement and silica fume

Chemical composition	Cement	IQS No.5/1984	Silica fume	ASTM C1240
CaO, %	63.41	–	0.85	–
SiO2, %	20.27	–	90.4	≥85
Al2O3, %	5.50	–	0.36	–
Fe2O, %	3.40	–	1.30	–
MgO, %	0.97	≤5.0	–	–
SO3, %	1.42	≤2.80	–	–
L.O.I, %	2.9	≤4	3.5	≤6
I.R, %	0.40	≤1.5	–	–
Free CaO	0.95	–	–	–
C3S, %	54.29	–	–	–
C2S, %	17.46	–	–	–
C3A, %	8.83	–	–	–
C4AF, %	10.34	–	–	–

Figure 1. Particle size distribution of the fine aggregates.

Table 2. Mix proportions of mortars (kg/m³)

Series	Mix code	Type of fine aggregate	Cement	Silica fume	Fine aggregate	Water	Superplasticizer	w/b
A	NS0.5	Natural	530	0	1458	265	0	0.5
	LA0.5	Limestone	530	0	1458	265	0	0.5
	RCA0.5	Recycled	530	0	1458	265	0	0.5
B	NS0.2	Natural	735	130	1300	173	25	0.2
	LA0.2	Limestone	735	130	1300	173	32	0.2
	RCA0.2	Recycled	735	130	1300	173	36	0.2
C	NS0.3	Natural	735	130	1100	260	15	0.3
	LA0.3	Limestone	735	130	1100	260	20	0.3
	RCA0.3	Recycled	735	130	1100	260	24	0.3

Figure 2. Effect of aggregate type and w/b ratio on the 7- and 28-day compressive strength of the mortars.

Figure 3. Effect of aggregate type and w/b ratio on the 7- and 28-day flexural strength of the mortars.

Figure 4. Drying shrinkage with age for mortars produced with (a) w/b = 0.5, (b) w/b = 0.2, and (c) w/b = 0.3.

Figure 5. Effect of w/b ratio on drying shrinkage of mortars at 56 days.

Figure 6. Autogenous shrinkage with age for mortars prepared with (a) w/b = 0.5, (b) w/b = 0.2, and (c) w/b = 0.3.

Figure 7. Effect of w/b ratio on autogenous shrinkage of mortars at 56 days.

Figure 8. Swelling versus age for mortars produced with (a) w/b = 0.5, (b) w/b = 0.2, and (c) w/b = 0.3.