Effects of recycled fine aggregate content on cementitious mortar

Abstract

Properties of the recycled fine aggregates and the suitability of the same in cementitious mortar were studied and compared with those of natural fine aggregates. The results showed that the particle size distribution of recycled fine aggregates is compatible with those of natural fine aggregates. The recycled fine aggregates had fine fraction and bulk density of 13.47% and 1407kg/m3, respectively while those of the natural fine aggregates were 1.51% and 1453kg/m3, respectively. Specific Gravity of recycled fine aggregates was 2.499with compared to 2.408 of Natural fine aggregates and the water absorption was 6.325% with compared to 0.71% of Natural fine aggregates. Chloride Content of recycled fine aggregate was 0.0150% with compared to 0.0005% of natural fine aggregate. Properties of mortar made fewer than five testing scenarios consisting different proportions of natural fine aggregate to recycle fine aggregate as 100%-0%,75%-25%,50% -50%, 25%-75%, and 0%-100% were compared with those of 100% natural fine aggregates. With increasing percentage of recycled aggregate content, compressive strength increased in 0.7 Water cement ratio while the workability decreased. According to the results, mortar properties could be achieved with mix proportions of 50% natural fine aggregate and 50% recycled fine aggregate, without significantly affecting the mortar properties, indicating a 50% saving of natural fine aggregates thus reducing environmental impacts and enhancing sustainability.