Experimental Investigation on Strength, Durability and Micro Structural Characteristics of Slag-Based Cement Mortar

Cement mortar is used as a bonding agent between building materials in the construction of stone masonry and brick masonry. The focus on reducing the environmental burden caused by the high emission of carbon with the consumption of cement has gained interest. In this study, experimental investigations are conducted using two slag-based materials, i.e., Portland Slag Cement (PSC) and Processed Granulated Blast Furnace Slag Sand (PGBFS, iron slag), as a replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and River Sand (RS). The paper aims to investigate the influence of PSC with slag sand on the strength, durability, and microstructure of cement mortar. The present work specifically investigates the strength improvement of cement mortar with slag cement and slag sand by varying the curing period, comparing the results at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. OPC is replaced fully with PSC, and River sand is replaced partially or fully with slag sand in different percentages, i.e., 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% for different types of mixes. Results showed the highest increase in compressive strength and high resistance to acid attack in cement mortar with 100% PSC and 60% Slag Sand replacement. The consumption of proposed materials will benefit the construction industry to achieve the net zero target.