Rheological, mechanical and durability properties of mortar containing brick waste as a partial replacement of sand

The investigation presented in this paper focuses on the feasibility of employing brick waste (BW), a byproduct of limestone, to make self-compacting mortar (SCM). The principle goal of this study contributes in increasing economic and environmental value by replacing sand with co-products and optimizing their handling and management. Six alternative mortar mix proportions, including BW at rates of 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, and 25 %, are tested for rheological properties (flow time, yield stress and viscosity), the mechanical (compressive strength and flexural strength), durability (water absorption/porosity, chloride penetration, sulfate resistance and SEM analysis). The deep in visitation showed that a SCM with a yield stress of 13.8 Pa, a 25 % BW replacement rate, and a viscosity of 11.7 Pa.S may reach a flow time of 74.2–64.1 S. In addition, mortars containing 25 % BW had a maximum compressive strength and flexural strength of 36.9 MPa and 4.03 MPa at 28 days, representing an 11.3 % and 39.2, respectively drop over the reference mortar BW0 %. The results showed the water absorption and the depth of chloride penetration increased by 86.2 % and 36 %, respectively. The sulfate resistance was decreased by 39 % as compared to those of the reference mortar (BW0 %). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations showed that the BW25 % mortar contains several pores compared to those of BW10 % and BW0 %.