Mechanical, freeze-thaw, and sorptivity properties of mortars prepared with different cement types and waste marble powder

Abstract

Cement, which is the most used binder material in concrete production, is the main source of CO2 emissions. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) production contributes about 5% to 7% of global CO2 emissions. In addition, it is known from the literature that calcium aluminate cement (CAC) emits less CO2 compared to ordinary portland cement (OPC). In order to reduce the effects of these negative reasons, the substitution of waste marble dust for both cement additive and fine aggregate has been the subject of research. In this study, the properties of mortar samples were investigated by using waste marble powder as a partial substitute for three different cement types (ordinary portland cement, white cement and calcium aluminate cement). Waste marble powder has been replaced with cement at the rates of 5%, 10% and 15%. The mechanical properties, capillary water absorption and sorptivity values of the prepared mixtures were determined before and after freezing and thawing. The optimum waste marble powder ratio was determined as 10% in all cement types used in the study. Before freeze-thaw mechanical properties of CAC-based mixtures were higher than other cement types. However, as the number of freeze-thaw cycles increased, the strength losses were more significant compared to OPC and WC.