SULFATE RESISTANCE OF MORTAR, CONTAINING GROUND BRICK CLAY CALCINED AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES

The sulphate resistance of mortar containing ground calcined brick cla y (GCBC) calcined at different tempertaures (600-1100 degrees C) and g round sand (GS) as cement replacement materials is investigated. Also the porosity, pore size distribution and strength of a selection of th ese mortars are determined. Mortars containing GCBC calcined at a temp erature higher than 900 degrees C show superior sulphate resistance to those containing GCBC calcined at temperatures below 900 degrees C. A lthough the intruded pore volume is higher at early ages of curing, th e inclusion of GCBC in the mortars leads to refinement of pore structu re and its contribution to strength is significant after a curing peri od of 90 days. The influence of the incorporation of GCBC (calcined at different temperatures) on the sulphate resistance of mortar, is disc ussed in terms of fundemental mechanisms. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Lt d.