Concerns over the future availability of traditional SCM sources, such as fly ash, have left the concrete industry in need of alternative sources of SCMs. The research presented here has evaluated natural pozzolans such as pumice, perlite, vitric ash, zeolites, shale and calcined clay as alternative sources of SCMs. Unlike previous research that has only concentrated on empirically evaluating the performance of natural pozzolans in concrete, the research presented in this dissertation has measured both the performance of the pozzolans in cementitious mixtures as well as their physical and chemical characteristics, to draw meaningful relationships between pozzolan properties and performance. The physical and chemical characteristics of these natural SCMs were measured using techniques like particle size analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The performance of the pozzolans as alternative SCMs was examined by looking at their effect on mortar strength and mixture workability, as well as by their ability to mitigate expansions from durability problems like alkali silica reaction (ASR) and sulfate attack. The performance of the pozzolans was related back to their physical and chemical characteristics to gain an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cement and pozzolan interaction, and to draw insights as to why some pozzolans perform better than others in cementitious mixtures. Using this knowledge, some of the under-performing pozzolans were modified to see if changes in their properties could improve performance. Results of the research showed that other than the two coarse zeolites, the rest of the pozzolans tested could be used as Class F fly ash replacements in concrete, with the pumice, perlite, metakaolin and fine zeolite being the best performers in terms of mortar strength and durability. Although the pumice mortar had lower strengths than the control at early ages, results from the performance improvement studies showed that the reactivity of pumice could be enhanced by grinding the pozzolans to a finer particle size distribution. Zeolites were found to negatively affect mixture workability, but calcination of the zeolites helped to improve the workability of zeolite mixtures. / text

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / A utilizaÃÃo de resÃduos como materiais alternativos tem se mostrado uma soluÃÃo satisfatÃria de acordo com vÃrias pesquisas realizadas. Os produtos da combustÃo do carvÃo mineral (PCCs) sÃo resÃduos que causam impacto ambiental, mas apresentam grande potencial de utilizaÃÃo no setor da construÃÃo civil na produÃÃo de argamassas e concretos. Apresentam elevado teor de sÃlica (SiO2), podendo ser utilizados como pozolanas. Esta pesquisa objetivou verificar a viabilidade da utilizaÃÃo dos produtos da combustÃo do carvÃo mineral em argamassas de assentamento e revestimento. As matÃrias-primas foram caracterizadas quanto aos aspectos fÃsicos, quÃmicos e para os PCCs tambÃm foi avaliada sua pozolanicidade. Foram confeccionadas argamassas de referÃncia e com adiÃÃo de PCCs nos teores de 10, 20, 30, 40 e 50% como substituto parcial do cimento. ApÃs tempos de cura de 7 e 28 dias, foram feitos teste de resistÃncia à traÃÃo na flexÃo e resistÃncia à compressÃo. AlÃm disso, as argamassas foram sujeitas a anÃlises de difraÃÃo de Raios â X, Microscopia EletrÃnica de Varredura, absorÃÃo de Ãgua, determinaÃÃo de Ãndice de vazios e massa especÃfica aparente. Os resultados obtidos mostraram-se compatÃveis quando comparados com os dados da literatura, demonstrando ser viÃvel a aplicaÃÃo dos produtos da combustÃo do carvÃo mineral na indÃstria da construÃÃo civil. / The use of residues as alternative materials has proven successful according to several investigations. Coal combustion products (CCPs) is a residue that causes environmental impact, but it has a great potential for use in civil engineering construction in the production of mortars and concrete. It posesses a high content of silica (SiO2) and so it can be used as pozzolan. This research aimed to verify the viability of adding coal combustion products to mortars for bricklaying and covering. The raw materials were submitted to physical, and chemical characterization. CCPs were also rated according to their pozzolanicity. Reference mortars were prepared, as well as mortars containing 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% amounts of CCPs as a partial replacement for cement. After curing time of 7 and 28 days, prismatic samples were tested to determine their tensile strength in bending and their compression strength. Moreover, the mortars were subjected to X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and determination of water absorption, voids and apparent density. The results obtained were consistent with literature data, showing that application of coal combustion products in the construction industry is a viable alternative.

Os compósitos reforçados com fibras naturais são uma opção frente a fibrocimentos com amianto, devido à grande disponibilidade de fibras naturais como as de coco, sisal além das fibras de celulose. Aspectos relacionados com a durabilidade precisam ser melhorados, podendo ser citado a diminuição da resistência das fibras quando em meio alcalino causando a perda de propriedades mecânicas dos compósitos. Uma alternativa a esse problema é o uso de pozolana que irá consumir o hidróxido de cálcio proveniente da hidratação do cimento Portland, resultando em fases hidratadas como o C-S-H e aluminatos de cálcio, contribuindo assim, para a redução da alcalinidade e para o aumento da resistência mecânica. A metodologia adotada consistiu da análise do efeito de ciclos de molhagem e secagem quanto à formação de produtos da hidratação do cimento e da reação pozolânica a partir de formulações de cimento, filler dolomito, pozolana (metacaulim ou sílica ativa) e fibras de PVA (polivinil álcool) e celulose. As pozolanas empregadas foram efetivas no consumo de hidróxido de cálcio, porém não se constatou grandes ganhos mecânicos devido à degradação da matriz, observada em 250 ciclos, causada pela formação de hidróxido de magnésio com caráter expansivo. As hipóteses para a causa da formação de brucita consistem da reação de desdolomitização do filler dolomito ou da hidratação do periclásio que compõe o cimento Portland. / Composites reinforced with natural fibers are a good asbestos fibercomposites replacement material, as a result of the great natural fiber avaibility such as coco nut, sisal and cellulose. Durability aspects need to be improved, like the decrease of fiber resistance in alkaline environment causing the loss of mechanical properties of the composites. An alternative way to solve this problem is using pozzolan. It will react with calcium hydroxide formed by Portland cement hydration and will provide hydration phases as C-S-H and calcium aluminate hydrated, which contributes for the alkaline reduction and in an increase of mechanical performance. The methodology analyzes the effect of wet/dry cycles in composites among the hydration of cement and pozzolanic reaction in composite formulation made with cement, dolomite filler, pozzolan (metakaolin or silica fume) and PVA and cellulose fibers. The pozzolans used in this study consumed almost calcium hydroxide, although low mechanical properties were found. The matrix degradation with expansive brucite formation is explained with two hypotheses: dedolomitization reaction from dolomite filler or periclase hydration from Portland cement observed from 250 cycles.

Os compósitos reforçados com fibras naturais são uma opção frente a fibrocimentos com amianto, devido à grande disponibilidade de fibras naturais como as de coco, sisal além das fibras de celulose. Aspectos relacionados com a durabilidade precisam ser melhorados, podendo ser citado a diminuição da resistência das fibras quando em meio alcalino causando a perda de propriedades mecânicas dos compósitos. Uma alternativa a esse problema é o uso de pozolana que irá consumir o hidróxido de cálcio proveniente da hidratação do cimento Portland, resultando em fases hidratadas como o C-S-H e aluminatos de cálcio, contribuindo assim, para a redução da alcalinidade e para o aumento da resistência mecânica. A metodologia adotada consistiu da análise do efeito de ciclos de molhagem e secagem quanto à formação de produtos da hidratação do cimento e da reação pozolânica a partir de formulações de cimento, filler dolomito, pozolana (metacaulim ou sílica ativa) e fibras de PVA (polivinil álcool) e celulose. As pozolanas empregadas foram efetivas no consumo de hidróxido de cálcio, porém não se constatou grandes ganhos mecânicos devido à degradação da matriz, observada em 250 ciclos, causada pela formação de hidróxido de magnésio com caráter expansivo. As hipóteses para a causa da formação de brucita consistem da reação de desdolomitização do filler dolomito ou da hidratação do periclásio que compõe o cimento Portland. / Composites reinforced with natural fibers are a good asbestos fibercomposites replacement material, as a result of the great natural fiber avaibility such as coco nut, sisal and cellulose. Durability aspects need to be improved, like the decrease of fiber resistance in alkaline environment causing the loss of mechanical properties of the composites. An alternative way to solve this problem is using pozzolan. It will react with calcium hydroxide formed by Portland cement hydration and will provide hydration phases as C-S-H and calcium aluminate hydrated, which contributes for the alkaline reduction and in an increase of mechanical performance. The methodology analyzes the effect of wet/dry cycles in composites among the hydration of cement and pozzolanic reaction in composite formulation made with cement, dolomite filler, pozzolan (metakaolin or silica fume) and PVA and cellulose fibers. The pozzolans used in this study consumed almost calcium hydroxide, although low mechanical properties were found. The matrix degradation with expansive brucite formation is explained with two hypotheses: dedolomitization reaction from dolomite filler or periclase hydration from Portland cement observed from 250 cycles.

The current trends in the road transport sector show a growth in axle loads as well as vehicle numbers on all types of roads in highly industrialised countries as well as in developing countries. This increase in axle loads and numbers has forced road agencies to amend their design standards adopting designs that provide roads with higher load bearing capacity. However, the rapid depletion of natural road construction gravel, as well as strict environmental conservation laws have resulted in many agencies in-charge of road construction and maintenance to resort to use of alternative materials that will be economically feasible and environmental friendly. The use of natural pozzolans for stabilising pavement layers fulfils this requirement. This research study was performed with the aim of evaluating the engineering properties of aggregate-lime-natural pozzolan (ALP) mixtures at varying compaction degrees of saturation and to compare them with conventional cement-stabilized aggregates. Two types of pozzolans found in Tanzania were used. The laboratory investigation was carried out in two parts, namely a pilot investigation where the strength behaviour with time, shrinkage and CBR were determined at three degrees of saturation for a washed river sand specimen followed by the main investigation using two different types of sands at four varying degrees of saturation. The study showed that the compaction degree of saturation for ALP mixes plays an important role in their tensile and compressive strengths development regardless of their optimum moisture contents. The ratio between tensile and compressive strengths for ALP mixes was also found to closely obey the relation given by Fulton (2001) for concrete. The ALP mixes were also observed to develop their strength similar to cement mixes with the formation of tobermorite crystals with the additional of water and appropriate activator. Both pozzolan mixes developed significant tensile and compressive strength after 28 days of curing similar to cement mixes. High CBR values for the two ALP mixes were obtained in mixes moulded at degrees of saturation lower than that corresponding to their optimum. Similarly, the shrinkage of the mixes was found to decrease with a decrease in the degrees of saturation. The CBR and shrinkage of the ALP mixes were found to show similar trend to that of the control cement mixes. The ALP mixes showed no significant strength loss with an increase in the fines content in unwashed sand mix in comparison with that of washed sand mixes. No significant strength loss was observed in the ALP mixes as in the control cement mixes at all moulding degrees of saturation. Finally the study concluded that the ALP mixes could be used in stabilization of pavement layers. However, care must be taken in deciding the compaction degrees of saturation as the specifications used in conventional cement stabilization does not necessarily yield desirable strength development in ALP mixes. / Dissertation (MEng (Transportation))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Civil Engineering / unrestricted

A incorporação de resíduos industriais ao concreto, tais como as pozolanas, é uma das soluções para o aproveitamento de subprodutos poluentes estando em acordo com os princípios da sustentabilidade. É objetivo do trabalho discutir e analisar a viabilidade da aplicação de um resíduo das termoelétricas da indústria de beneficiamento do arroz, a cinza da casca de arroz (CCA), como adição mineral em concretos duráveis. Com 88% de sílica em sua composição, a CCA tem grande potencial de utilização em concretos porque possibilita o aumento da resistência à compressão pelas suas características de alta pozolanicidade e grande finura. Misturas de argamassas padrão contendo 0, 5, 10 e 15% de CCA moídas apenas industrialmente e com moagem adicional de 1 hora, foram confeccionadas a fim de se avaliar o comportamento do aglomerante (CPV - ARI PLUS + CCA) em relação à resistência mecânica. Concretos com traços 1:3,5, 1:5 e 1:6,5, relação água-aglomerante igual a 0,45 e 15% de CCA foram ensaiados à compressão. Os ensaios mostraram que a CCA é predominantemente cristalina e tem alta pozolanicidade. Quanto às argamassas padrão e aos concretos, os resultados mostraram que a utilização da CCA em compósitos à base de cimento é viável, além de ser ecologicamente correta. / Industrial residues, such as pozzolan, can be incorporated in concretes as a solution for polluter refuses, according to sustainable principles. The objective of this work it is to discuss and analyze the use of rice thermoeletrical industry residue, the rice rusk ash (RHA), as mineral addition in durable concretes. The RHA can be used to increase the compression strength of concretes once it has high pozzolanicity and thinness, composed by 88% of silica. It was created mixtures of standard mortars containing 0, 5 10 and 15% of industrial grounded RHA and also with one hour of additional grind. The idea of those mixtures was to evaluate the mechanical strength of the agglomerate (pure Portland cement + RHA). Compression tests in poor, normal and rich concretes with water/agglomerate ratio of 0,45 and 15% of RHA were set too. The tests indicated that the RHA is predominant crystalline and it is a high pozzolanicity material. All the analyses showed that the material has suitable and competitive characteristics for application as agglomerate component.

The carbonation in concrete is caused by the penetration of environmental carbonic anhydride (CO2) in concrete by diffusion, being considered one of more important structures pathologies. It occurs naturally in concrete structures, from the surface and causes the alkalis neutralization reactions, depassivating the rebars and its corrosion possibility. In this study the concrete investigation with 14 years old composed by binary and ternary mixtures of pozzolans as silica fume (10%), fly ash (25%), rice husk ash (25%), fly ash and silica fume (15+10)% and fly ash with rice husk ash (10+15)%. The natural carbonation depths were measured in cylindrical specimens with 0,5, 1, 2, 4 and 14 years readings, exposed in lab internal environment, in normal conditions of temperature and CO2 concentrations. Natural carbonation coefficients in the five cited ages were calculated, in equality of water/binder (w/b) relationship (0.35, 0.45 and 0.55), and 50 and 60 MPa axial compressive strength, and the results were compared with the short term tests (accelerated). Microstructure analysis by means of remained calcium hydroxide, hydrated compounds by DRX, porosity by Hg intrusion porosimetry and visual analysis by MEV and EDS were accomplished. Among the pozzolans mixtures the silica fume (10%) presented lower carbonation for w/b 0.35 and 0.45. For w/b 0.55 the better performance occurred to the fly ash and rice husk ash ternary mixture. The relationships between accelerated and natural carbonation coefficients showed decrease of the natural coefficients related to the accelerated ones, in a relation that varied between 1,0 and 2,0 (mean) for the pozzolanic mixtures. In 50 and 60 MPa compressive strength equality, the carbonation depended of the pozzolan type and content, being influenced by the chemical and physical properties of each one in particular. The microstructure tests results confirmed the CH decrease in the carbonated layer and the CaCO3 increase, and the hydrated silicates and silicoaluminates depolymerization. According NBR 15575-5 was observed that it is possible to obtain concretes with until 25% of pozzolans with performance of the project useful life, in front of carbonation, of 60 years. / A penetração de anidrido carbônico (CO2) ambiental por difusão no concreto ocasiona a carbonatação, sendo considerada uma das patologias mais importantes das estruturas. Acontece naturalmente nas estruturas de concreto, a partir da superfície e ocasiona reações de neutralização dos álcalis, despassivando a armadura e a possibilidade de sua corrosão. Neste estudo apresenta-se a investigação de concretos com 14 anos de idade, compostas de misturas binárias e ternárias de pozolanas sendo sílica ativa(10%), cinza volante(25%), cinza de casca de arroz(25%), cinza volante e sílica ativa (15+10)% e cinza volante com cinza de casca de arroz (10+15)%. As profundidades de carbonatação natural foram medidas em corpos de prova cilíndricos, com leituras a 0,5, 1, 2, 4 e 14 anos, expostos em ambiente interno de laboratório, em condições normais de temperatura e concentração de CO2. Calculou-se os coeficientes de carbonatação natural nas 5 idades citadas, em igualdade de relação a/ag (0,35, 0,45 e 0,55) e de resistência à compressão axial de 50 e 60 MPa, e comparou-se com os resultados de curto prazo (acelerado). Realizou-se análise da microestrutura por meio do teor de hidróxido remanescente, dos compostos hidratados por difração de raios-X, porosidade por porosimetria por intrusão de mercúrio e análise visual por microscopia eletrônica de varredura com EDS. O concreto de referência apresentou menor coeficiente de carbonatação nas três relações a/ag estudadas. Entre as misturas com pozolanas a sílica ativa (10%) apresentou menor carbonatação para a/ag 0,35 e 0,45. Para a/ag 0,55 o melhor desempenho aconteceu para a mistura ternaria de cinza volante e cinza de casca de arroz. As relações entre os ensaios acelerado e naturais mostraram decréscimo dos coeficientes de carbonatação natural em relação aos acelerados, numa relação que variou, em média, entre 1,0 e 2,0 para as mistura pozolânicas. Em igualdade de resistência à compressão de 50 e 60 MPa a carbonatação dependeu do tipo e do teor de pozolana, sendo influenciada pelas propriedades químicas e físicas de cada uma em particular. Os resultados dos ensaios da microestrutura confirmaram o decréscimo do CH nas camadas carbonatadas e acréscimo de CaCO3 e a despolimerização dos silicatos e silicoaluminatos de cálcio hidratados. Segundo a NBR 15575-2 observou-se que é possível obter-se concretos com até 25% de pozolanas, com desempenho à vida útil de projeto, frente a carbonatação, de 60 anos.

A incorporação de resíduos industriais ao concreto, tais como as pozolanas, é uma das soluções para o aproveitamento de subprodutos poluentes estando em acordo com os princípios da sustentabilidade. É objetivo do trabalho discutir e analisar a viabilidade da aplicação de um resíduo das termoelétricas da indústria de beneficiamento do arroz, a cinza da casca de arroz (CCA), como adição mineral em concretos duráveis. Com 88% de sílica em sua composição, a CCA tem grande potencial de utilização em concretos porque possibilita o aumento da resistência à compressão pelas suas características de alta pozolanicidade e grande finura. Misturas de argamassas padrão contendo 0, 5, 10 e 15% de CCA moídas apenas industrialmente e com moagem adicional de 1 hora, foram confeccionadas a fim de se avaliar o comportamento do aglomerante (CPV - ARI PLUS + CCA) em relação à resistência mecânica. Concretos com traços 1:3,5, 1:5 e 1:6,5, relação água-aglomerante igual a 0,45 e 15% de CCA foram ensaiados à compressão. Os ensaios mostraram que a CCA é predominantemente cristalina e tem alta pozolanicidade. Quanto às argamassas padrão e aos concretos, os resultados mostraram que a utilização da CCA em compósitos à base de cimento é viável, além de ser ecologicamente correta. / Industrial residues, such as pozzolan, can be incorporated in concretes as a solution for polluter refuses, according to sustainable principles. The objective of this work it is to discuss and analyze the use of rice thermoeletrical industry residue, the rice rusk ash (RHA), as mineral addition in durable concretes. The RHA can be used to increase the compression strength of concretes once it has high pozzolanicity and thinness, composed by 88% of silica. It was created mixtures of standard mortars containing 0, 5 10 and 15% of industrial grounded RHA and also with one hour of additional grind. The idea of those mixtures was to evaluate the mechanical strength of the agglomerate (pure Portland cement + RHA). Compression tests in poor, normal and rich concretes with water/agglomerate ratio of 0,45 and 15% of RHA were set too. The tests indicated that the RHA is predominant crystalline and it is a high pozzolanicity material. All the analyses showed that the material has suitable and competitive characteristics for application as agglomerate component.

<p>  </p> <p>Concrete is the second most consumed material in the world after water and is an essential element of constructed infrastructure. Over 14 billion m3 of concrete are being produced annually, resulting in a serious impact on the environment. The production of cement, which is the main component of concrete, is responsible for 5 – 8 % of global CO2 emissions. As a result, several global initiatives have been undertaken to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This carbon neutrality target coincides with the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global warming to 1.5 °C. A well-known, and successful strategy to reduce CO2 emissions in the concrete industry is to use supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) as a partial replacement for cement. However, it is projected that in 2030 the demand for two of the most commonly used SCMs, fly ash and slag cement, will exceed their supply. Using nontraditional and natural pozzolans (NNPs) can help to close this supply gap, but there is a lack of knowledge regarding the reactivity and long-term performance of these materials.</p> <p>The purpose of this research was to perform experiments on several NNPs, some of which can be supplied in commercially viable quantities with the objective of evaluating their performance in cementitious systems (mortars and concretes) with the goal of accurately assessing their potential for use as alternative SCMs. The mortar study was performed using a total of 11 different NNPs, belonging to 4 distinctive groups and distributed as follows: 3 from the group of calcined clays (CCs) - CC1, CC2, and CC3, 3 from the group of natural pozzolans (NPs) - NP1, NP2 and NP3, 2 from the group of fluidized bed combustion (FBCs) ashes - FBC1 and FBC2, and 3 from the group of bottom ashes (GBAs) - GBA1, GBA2, and GBA3.</p> <p>The concrete study was performed on 4 different materials, one from each of the previously mentioned groups. The materials selected for concrete study were the worst-performing members of each group, as determined by the analysis of the test results obtained from mortars. These included CC2, NP3, FBC1, and GBA3 materials. This approach was adopted under the assumption that achieving adequate concrete characteristics with lowest-quality materials will all but assure satisfactory performance of concretes with higher-quality materials. </p> <p>The findings generated from this research indicate that several of the NNPs used in this study present a viable alternative to traditional SCMs. As an example, out of the 11 NNPS, 9 were found to conform to the requirements of the ASTM C618-19, the standard specification currently used to assess the suitability of coal fly ash and raw or calcined natural pozzolans for use in concrete. Results obtained from tests performed on mortars demonstrated that, when used at the replacement level of 25%, all 11 NNPs produced mixtures with characteristics similar to those obtained from the plain cement (OPC) mortar. For that reason, this level of replacement was selected to prepare concrete specimens. The results collected from concrete specimens showed that, when compared to plain concrete, mixtures with all 4 NNPs attained comparable (or improved) mechanical (compressive and flexural strength), durability (freeze-thaw resistance), and transport (formation factor and rate of water absorption) properties. As in the case of traditional SCMs, the mixtures with NNPs were found to require extended curing times to fully realize their property-enhancing potential associated with pozzolanic reactions. Overall, the best performing materials were those from the CCs group, followed by those belonging to, respectively, NPs, GBAs, and FBCs groups. </p>