Microstructural,Mechanical and Radiological Characterization of Mortars Made with Granite Sand |
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Authors: | Francisca Puertas Jos Antonio Surez-Navarro Alfredo Gil-Maroto Ana María Moreno de los Reyes Catalina Gasc Alicia Pachn María del Mar Alonso |
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Institution: | 1.Department of Materials, Eduardo Torroja Institute for Construction Sciences (IETcc-CSIC), 28033 Madrid, Spain; (A.G.-M.); (A.M.M.d.l.R.); (A.P.); (M.d.M.A.);2.Department of Environment, Environmental Radioactivity and Radiological Surveillance (CIEMAT), Avenida Complutense 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.S.-N.); (C.G.) |
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Abstract: | The study reported the effect of granite sand on strength and microstructural developments in mortars prepare from OPC with a high coal fly ash (FA) content or from hybrid alkaline cements. The radiological behaviour of the resulting mortars was compared to materials prepared with siliceous sand (with particles sizes of <2 mm) and the relationship between such radiological findings and mortar microstructure and strength was explored. A new method for determining natural radionuclides and their activity concentration Index (ACI) on cement mortars (specifically to solid 5-cm cubic specimens) was applied and validated. The microstructural changes associated in mortars have no effect on mortar radiological content measurements. The mortars with granite sand exhibited very high ACI > 0.96, which would ultimately limit their use. A conclusion of interest is that where information is at hand on the starting materials (OPC, FA, sand, admixtures), their proportions in the mortar and the mixing liquid content (water or alkaline activators) their radiological content is accurately predicted. The inference is that a mortar’s radiological content and ACI can be known prior to mixing, providing a criterion for determining its viability. That in turn lowers environmental risks and the health hazards for people in contact with such materials. |
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Keywords: | mortars granite sands eco-efficient cements natural radioactivity microstructure gamma spectrometry |
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