Effects of Palm Oil Fuel Ash as Micro-Filler on Interfacial Porosity of Polymer Concrete

The effects of palm oil fuel ash (POFA) as micro-filler on interfacial porosity and pore size distribution of polymer concrete (PC) is the main aim of this chapter. Beginning with a brief introduction about the topic, the materials and method used in this study are explained. Two categories of fillers were involved in this study, fine-micro filler (ground POFA and is paired with calcium carbonate), and coarse micro-filler (unground POFA and is paired with silica sand). It is revealed that the replacement of overall types of micro-filler at different filler content decreased the average pore diameter of PC significantly, except for PC incorporating unground POFA. Additionally, incorporation of fine-micro filler with dispersion characteristic could significantly reduce the interfacial porosity of PC as compared to incorporation of coarse micro-filler in PC.

Effect of Metakaolin on Geopolymer Industry

This chapter discusses the effects of metakaolin (MK) on geopolymer mortar and concrete industries. The research topics of MK-based geopolymer cover reaction mechanisms and kinetics. This chapter aims at augmenting knowledge about enhancing mechanical properties of geopolymer mortars/concrete using MK. Specifically, this chapter presents literature studies as well as current experimental studies which delineate the effect of MK on fresh and hardened-state properties of geopolymer mortars (GPMs). Properties and characteristics of metakaolin are explained followed by properties of fresh MK mortars. Properties of hardened MK concrete and durability aspects of MK mortars are explained. Applications of MK-based geopolymers and metakaolin-based geopolymers as repair materials are also included in this chapter. The results of using MK-based GPMs revealed improved workability, enhanced setting time, increased density, higher compressive strength, flexural strength, and resistance against acid attack than conventional ordinary portland cement mortar/concrete.

Evaluation of Electric Arc Furnace Oxidizing Slag Aggregates Quality and Development of Functional Concrete

Chapter 8 evaluates a most interesting and up-to-date topic of electric arc furnace oxidizing slag as aggregates' quality and development of functional concrete. A comprehensive introduction is given followed by a scientific method of stabilizing electric arc furnace (EAF). Oxidizing slag (EOS) is explained in brief. Subsequently, expansion mechanism of EOS and physical and chemical properties of EOS aggregates are covered in reasonable detail. A method for quantitative evaluation of free CaO contained in EOS that covers free CaO content as a function of aging period and open storage position for EOS and ERS samples are explained. Results indicated that the functional concrete using EOS aggregates satisfied the standards of slump, amount of air, its unit volume weight, and compressive strength. Moreover, x-ray irradiation experiment confirmed that the functional concrete using EOS aggregates showed a shielding performance approximately 20% higher than the typical concrete. These results verify that EOS has sufficiently good properties for use as concrete aggregate.

Durability of Mortars Containing Ceramic Tile Waste Exposed to Sulphate Attack

Chapter 6 deals with the durability performance of mortar containing ceramic tile waste exposed to sulphate attack. The introduction discusses the latest development regarding this subject as no case study has been found where ceramic tile waste was actually used in the field. This study investigates the sulphate resistance of ceramic mortar by using sulphate solution and tested the visual appearance of specimens, mass loss, residual compressive strength, and microstructure analysis up to 18 months of sulphate exposure. The ceramic mortar demonstrated superior advantages with respect to visual appearance and mass change with low values of strength loss upon exposure to sulphate solutions. Therefore, ceramic waste in the form of fine aggregates and fine powder can be used in mortar production with comparable strength and improvement in the fresh and hardened state properties of the mortar as compared with the OPC mortar.

Versatility of Cockle Shell in Concrete

A conspectus based upon a compelling topic, namely, versatility of cockle shell use in concrete to replace partially the natural coarse aggregates and river sand, which is yet to be investigated, is covered in this chapter. An introduction to enlighten the reader with this promising waste material precedes a review of environmental issues with cockle shell which would reduce harm to environment and preserve natural materials for future generation. Cockle trade is an important subtitle that covers cockle shell waste generation, research, and development related to the deployment on the use of cockle shell, processing cockle shell for making construction material are discussed in detail. Experiments were conducted, and the test data revealed that the use of cockle shell as partial replacement of coarse aggregates enhanced the strength of concrete and as partial replacement of sand improved the performance of mortar bricks.

Characterization and Assessment of Iron Ore Tailings as Raw Materials for Construction Industries

This chapter deals with the characterization and assessment of iron ore tailings (IOT) as raw materials for the construction industry. This chapter specifies the production process of iron ore and generation of waste material followed by listing the nature and prospective issues of IOT. Methods of IOT characterization are explained through five elements, which are chemical composition, leaching behavior, thermal stability, mineralogical characterization, and morphology. The experimental program and research results of this study are explained in six subtitles, namely chemical composition, leaching behaviour, thermal stability, x-ray diffraction pattern, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM/EDX). Results revealed that the IOT materials are suitable for use in construction and building industries due to their substantial silica and alumina contents and could possibly be used to fabricate paving blocks, sand-crete blocks, mud blocks, geopolymer bricks, and ceramic floor tiles.

Self-Healing Mortar

The cost of repairing cracked concrete is expensive as it requires special repair materials and skilled labour. Thus, the developments of new materials, like self-healing materials, are highly needed to repair cracks automatically and to restore or even increase concretes' strength to prolong its service life. The aim of this chapter was to investigate the performance of epoxy resin without hardener as a self-healing agent in mortar. A detailed introduction of self-healing mortar is given followed by a problem statement. The epoxy resin as a self-healing material is also explained briefly. Self-healing concept is also discussed in detail followed by the experimental program. Results revealed that the epoxy resin without hardener as a healing agent performed effectively as the compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity of 365 days old cracked mortar samples regained the initial reading with prolonged curing time.

Comparison Between Ordinary Portland Cement and Geopolymer Concretes Against Sulphuric Acid Attack

This chapter covers a comparison between ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and geopolymer concretes against sulphuric acid attack. An intensive introduction to the topic is given. Lack of study about high strength of self-compacting geopolymer concrete (SCGC) against sulphuric acid attack is also one of the problems. In this research, slag and ceramics were used as replacement of OPC. The aim was to study the durability of SCGC against sulphuric acid attack which mainly incorporated ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) and ceramics waste as a binder. Methodology of the experimental program, with emphasis on preparation of materials and mix design is described. Testing procedure of GSCC is given. Durability test for sulphuric acid resistance and cost analysis are briefly explained. In conclusion, the sulphuric acid solution had no effect on the strength of concrete and the weight after being immersed in sulphuric acid solution for 28 and 42 days.

Performance of Mortar Grouts Incorporating Rice Husk Ash and Fly Ash

Chapter 3 is based on performance of mortar grouts incorporating rice husk ash (RHA) and fly ash (FA). Detailed experimental work was conducted to investigate the mechanical properties of mortar grout using RHA and FA as partial replacement of cement. This study investigated the compressive strength and durability of mortar grouts in their hardened state. Durability tests such as water absorption, apparent volume of permeable voids, sorptivity, and rapid chloride penetration tests are researched. Detailed results and discussion which focused on mechanical properties as well as durability of hardened state mortar grout are presented. It was confirmed that the inclusion of blended RHA and FA significantly improved the compressive strength of mortar grouts. The durability of mortar grout increased along with a longer curing time. Hence, RHA and FA can partially replace cement in the production of mortar grouts.

Effect of High-Volume Oil Palm Biomass Waste in Mortar

This chapter discusses the utilization of wastes in the form of palm oil fuel ash, oil palm kernel shell, and oil palm fibre in the production of mortar mixes as a part of new and innovative materials in construction industry. Detailed introduction is provided followed by a clear description of each waste and its effect when added to mortar mixes. Furthermore, a research study on the effect of palm oil fuel ash, palm oil kernel shell, palm oil fibre on mortar properties was carried out and the experimental program details are given under four subtitles. Splitting tensile strength and flexural strength were performed to test the engineering properties of mortar containing different types of waste. Results and discussion are provided for additional grasp. It is concluded that the inclusion of high-volume palm oil biomass waste can produce sustainable mortars with high strength and with more durability performance.