Performance evaluation of cement mortar compositions at elevated temperatures

Abstract

Natural river sand is becoming scarce day by day due to rapid growth in construction sector. There is need for alternatives to be used in place of river sand. The performance of alternatives to river sand at elevated temperatures is also important in the likely event of fire accidents. In this study, the effect of elevated temperatures on the compressive strength of mortars containing Crushed Rock Fines (CRF) and Lateritic Sand (LS) is investigated. Cement mortar cubes were cast for varied proportion of lateritic soil and quarry dust as fine aggregate. Lateritic content was varied from 25%-100%, and 50% quarry dust was adopted. After 28 days of water curing, specimens were exposed to temperatures of 200, 400, 600, and 800°C. At room temperature, the compressive strength decreases with increase in level of lateritic fine aggregate. The lateritic mortar mixes (50, 75, and 100%) have exhibited superior elevated temperature endurance characteristics at 400, 600, and 800°C when compared to control mix. Even the 25% laterized mortar has performed equally well as that of control mix. At elevated temperatures, CRF blended mix has performed very poorly. Mortar containing lateritic sand has potential for utilization in buildings and other structures, for better fire endurance in the likely event of fire accidents. © 2019 Associated Cement Companies Ltd.. All rights reserved.