Effect of Ternary Blended Binder on Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Self-Consolidating Cement Mortar.

Abstract

In this study, palm oil fuel ash (POFA) an agro-based waste material and Pulverised burnt clay (PBC) an industrial based waste material both with pozzolanic properties were used to evaluate the strength and the microstructural characteristics of self-consolidating cement mortar (SCCM). Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and water-binder ratio (W/B) of 0.30, 035 and 0.40 were used to produce fifteen (15) different cement mortar mixes with 0, 10, 15, 20 and 30% of blended POFA/PBC as Partial replacements of the OPC. The effects of the respective W/B and the blended percentages of POFA and PBC on the compressive strength and the microstructure of the various mortar specimens were investigated. Furthermore, the effect of the microstructural characteristics on the strength development pattern was analysed and reported. It was observed that the inclusion of various blends POFA/PBC resulted in a refinement of the microstructure and consequently lead to a significant increase in compressive strength, particularly at ages beyond 28 days. Hence, SCCM of desirable characteristics can be produced when a blend of POFA and PBC is used to replace up to 30% of OPC.