The Influence of Clay Bricks Dust Incorporation on the Self-Curing of Cement Mortar

Abstract

Self- curing is the potential of lightweight aggregate to absorption great amount of water thru mixing which prominently can moves to the paste during hydration process. Self- curing empowers a water to be distributes more evenly act out the cross section. Whereas, the external curing water is only able to penetrate several millimetres into concrete with low water cement ratio. Brick dust accumulates in the demolish site creates serious environmental contamination. This study investigates the effect of brick dust recovered from construction site on the Properties of mortar cured in three curing conditions. Mortar in this study produced using BD as cement additive with (2, 4, 6, and 8) % by weight of cement. BD was used as cement replacement (1, 2, 3, and 4) % by weight of cement. Three curing conditions were experienced in this study to identify whether BD can be used as self- curing agent. Compressive strength, Fresh and hardened density, water absorption, and modulus of rupture were tested. The results of compressive strength and modulus of rupture were decreased when BD used as cement additive and as cement replacement increase. However, they were higher for mortars cured in air conditions than those cured in water and partially water curing.  Water absorption, was increased with the increase of (BD) when used as cement additive and replacement. It was indicated BD could be used as self- curing agent and could replace cement at specific ratios which will achieve economical profits and reduce environmental pollution.