Life cycle assessment and shrinkage properties of high performance mortars incorporating synthetic wollastonite microfibers

Abstract

In this study, the use of an alternative material as supplementary cementitious material was researched for the design of high-performance mortars (HPMs). Synthetic wollastonite microfibres (SWMs) were produced from calcite and quartz sand. The SWMs were then replaced at ratios of 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12% by cement weight to investigate the fresh, mechanical and shrinkage properties of HPMs. Test results showed that the mechanical and shrinkage properties of HPMs improved up to 9% inclusion of SWMs. The compressive strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, fracture toughness and fracture energy of HPM incorporating 9% SWM was higher than that of the control mixture by 8.8–9.1%, 7.5–9.9%, 4.7–6.7%, 8.9–4.6% and 13.2–2.5% at 28–90 days, respectively. Similarly, the ratios for maximum drying shrinkage and average crack width were determined as 10.5% and 58.3%, respectively, at the end of 60 days. These findings were also supported by microstructural analysis. Moreover, the potential environmental impacts resulting from the production of 1 kg SWM and HPM incorporating 9% SWM were evaluated using the life cycle analysis software (LCA) SimaPro 8.5.0.0. Based on the LCA results, SWMs can be used as an alternative material to develop sustainable concrete structures.