ASSESSMENT OF THE HYGROTHERMAL PROPERTIES OF MORTAR USING QUARRY DUST

Abstract

Assessment of the hygrothermal properties of mortar using quarry dust as fine aggregate was studied. The material used include Ordinary Portland Cement, water and quarry dust. Preliminary test such as particle size distribution, bulk density, moisture content and specific gravity were conducted on the aggregate in accordance to BS EN 1097:6. The mortar was prepared using a mix ratio of 1.4 and cured for 28 days. Water absorption, porosity and sorptivity test were the properties measured. Fineness modulus of 2.94, specific gravity of 2.42 and water absorption of 1.4% was recorded. The porosity and sorptivity were within the limit set by standard but the water absorption capacity was slightly higher that the limit specified. The study concluded that quarry dust can be used in the production of structural mortar.