Mechanical properties of mortar produced with the replacement of natural sand by scheelite residue

The residue generated by industrial activities represents a cost, since the generators are responsible for its management, transportation, treatment and disposal. Rio Grande do Norte State in Brazil is the greatest producer of scheelite residue. The aim of this research was to characterize this mining residue, identify its similarity with natural sand and produce a coating mortar with it. In the composition of mortar, a Brazilian Portland cement type CPII-F32 and an industrialized calcium hydroxide as a binder were used. Laser granulometry, bulk and relative density, EDX, XRD and thermal analysis were done to obtain a physical and chemical characterization of the residue. Mechanical tests (tensile bond strength and compressive strength), SEM and water absorption test were done to analyze the behavior of mortar. All tests confirmed that mechanical properties were according to standards for tile mortar.