Synergistic effects of natural pozzolan as cementitious materials and aggregate on self-compacting mortar properties

This study explores the impact of natural pozzolan (PZ) on the rheological and mechanical properties of self-compacting mortars (SCM), with particular attention to its dual role as a cement and sand substitute. The research assesses the performance of SCM when PZ is used as a 10% replacement for cement (PZC) and when PZ is substituted for sand at levels of 10%, 20%, and 30% (PZS). Findings reveal that incorporating PZ adversely affects the rheological properties, necessitating higher dosages of superplasticizer (SP) to achieve desired flow characteristics. However, despite these challenges, formulations containing PZC show significant improvements in mechanical strength and a reduction in void content. These results highlight the potential of natural pozzolan to enhance the mechanical performance of SCM, making it a viable option for optimizing mortar mixtures, though careful consideration of its impact on workability is required. This study offers valuable insights into optimizing SCM mixtures with natural pozzolan to balance rheological behavior and mechanical for sustainable SCM design.