Use of pozzolans as substitute for Portland cement is one of the most effective approaches in order to make the concrete industry more sustainable; each 1kg of substitution reduces by about 1 kg the emission of CO 2 , and saves the energy required to produce 1 kg of cement. In addition, this use will lead to conservation of finite natural resources. Further, pozzolans could be used to make stronger and more durable concretes (Aitcin & Mindess, 2011). Natural pozzolan is one of the oldest construction materials. The Roman Empire is the most synonymous with the use of pozzolans, the name deriving from volcanic rock found near Naples. (Walker & Pavia 2011). It is being widely used as cement replacement due to its ecological, economical and performance-related advantageous properties (Kouloumbi et al. 1995; Khan & Alhozaimy 2010;
In the study, three types of cement have been prepared; one CEM I type (the control sample) and two blended cements: CEM II/A-P and CEM II/B-P (EN 197-1), each of them with three replacement levels of volcanic scoria: (10 %, 15 %, 20 % wt.) and (25 %, 30 %, 35 % wt.), respectively. Strength development of mortars has been investigated at 2, 7, 28 and 90 days curing. Evaluation of chemical resistance of mortars containing scoria-based cements has been investigated through exposure to 5 % sulphate and 5 % sulphuric acid solutions in accordance with ASTM C1012 & ASTM 267, respectively. Drying shrinkage has been evaluated in accordance with ASTM C596. Test results showed that at early ages, the mortars containing CEM II/B-P binders had strengths much lower than that of the control mortar. However, at 90 days curing, the strengths were comparable to the control mortar. In addition, the increase of scoria significantly improved the sulphate resistance of mortars. Further, an increase in scoria addition improved the sulphuric acid resistance of mortar, especially at the early days of exposure. The results of drying shrinkage revealed that the CEM II/B-P mortar bars exhibited a greater contraction when compared to the control mortar, especially at early ages. However, drying shrinkage of mortars was not influenced much at longer times.
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