Submitted: Jul 2, 2013; Accepted: Aug 12, 2013; Published: Aug 29, 2013 Abstract: Concrete mix design involves determination of relative proportions of powder contained in the binder system, granular aggregates and water. The theory of particle packing (TPP) concepts can be used for rational proportioning of concrete mixtures analytically based on the measured properties of individual ingredien...

Water content affects mortar and masonry properties however, it is often determined by the mason assessing mortar workability. This can lead to lack of consistency and variable masonry performance. This paper investigates the compressive, flexural and bond strength and stiffness of brick masonry bound with natural hydraulic limes (NHL2, 3.5 and 5), hydrated lime (calcium limeCL90s) and cement-l...

the objective of the present work is to analyse the potential of using non-classical additions in concrete and mortar compositions such as coal bottom ash (ba) and biomass ash (bio), as partial replacing binder of ordinary portland cement. it is intended to deal with production of these type of wastes and its accumulation and contribute to the minimisation of carbon and embodied energy in const...

In this study, the effects of graphene oxide (GO) on the microstructure of cement mortars were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric (TG), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Cement mortar samples with different proportions of GO (0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08 wt % based on the weight of cement) were prepared. The test results showed that GO affected the crystalli...

Concrete is a material both weak and strong. Its durability decreases under negative impact of several chemicals. In particular, when some sulphates in sea and ground waters react with cement paste, concrete expands and cracks; therefore, concrete has a very short life span. In that case, either the effects of sulphates should be suppressed as much as possible, or the performance of concrete sh...

The construction industry is the largest consumer of natural resources which led to depletion of good quality natural sand (Fine aggregates). This situation led us to explore alternative materials and granular slag a waste industrial byproduct is one such material identified for utilization it as replacement of natural sand. This paper highlights upon the feasibility study for the utilization o...

AIMS To evaluate the effectiveness of various antimicrobial mortar formulations in inhibiting the growth of a selection of pathogens of environmental and hygienic concern. METHODS AND RESULTS Mortar prisms containing triclosan-incorporated fibres or different concentrations of silver copper zeolites were incubated with Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica or Staphyloc...

Concrete patch repair has long been used to repair the damaged concrete structures. In cold regions, freeze– thaw cycle is one of the major damage factors. Not only the material itself is damaged by freeze–thaw cycles, but also the adhesive interface, which is regarded as the weakest part of composite system, degrades under freeze–thaw cycles. Air entraining agent has long been used to increase...

The durability of class C fly ash belite cement (FABC-2-W) in simulated radioactive liquid waste (SRLW) rich in a mixed sodium chloride and sulphate solution is presented here. The effect of the temperature and potential synergic effect of chloride and sulfate ions are discussed. This study has been carried out according to the Koch-Steinegger test, at the temperature of 20 degrees C and 40 deg...