Influence of polymer and marble waste on the calorimetric and physico-mechanical properties of mortar

The use of polymer type superplasticizer SP in the preparation of mortars and concretes containing marble waste influences the hydration kinetics and the amount of total heat released. This leads to a modification of certain properties of the mortar, namely workability, calorimetry and mechanical resistance. In this study two polymers type ether polycarboxylate superplasticizers were used; they were incorporated at different dosages into a marble waste-based cement. The objective of this work is to study the effectiveness of these superplasticizers and to select the most compatible product with cement and the most suitable for use according to the climates of the country. The impact of superplasticizers on fresh cement containing marble waste was studied by measuring the Marsh cone flow time and calorimetric measurement. In the hardened state, the mechanical properties were provided by measuring the compressive strength. The results show that low dosages of ether polycarboxylate superplasticizer promote grain hydration and produce more heat on the other hand, high dosages delay the contact of the cement grains with the mixing water and cause a reduction in the final heat released and a delay in setting.