Evaluating the Durability of Green Cement Mortar Using Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity

Abstract

Abstract Various experimental studies have highlighted the negative consequences of Portland cement on health and the environment, such as toxic emissions and alkaline sewage. The development of environmentally acceptable substitutes for cement is thus one of the objectives of current investigations. The proposed environmental alternatives to cement, nevertheless, might have detrimental impacts on the concrete’s characteristics. This investigation intends to study the suitability as alternatives to cement in cement mortar, using industrial wastes like silica fume and cement kiln dust. As a replacement for cement, the cement mortars developed in this research continue from 0% to 60% silica fume and cement kiln dust. Ultrasonic pulse velocity tests at 1 to 4 weeks of age were conducted on hardened specimens. The findings showed that a low reduction in the pulse velocity resulted from high proportions of silica fume and cement kiln dust replacements, whereas an improvement in the characteristics of the mortars with low replacement ratios. Using low kiln dust and silica fume of 20 to 40%, the durability of mortars may increase.