Investigation on Binary, Ternary, and Quaternary Blended Cement Mortar Integrated with Mineral Additives

An experimental investigation was carried out on the blended cement mortar to determine the paste’s physical, mechanical, durability, and microstructural properties by incorporating mineral additives. The mineral additives such as silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and fly ash were used to prepare the different blends, namely binary, ternary, and quaternary, to reduce cement consumption without compromising the desired properties. The study investigated the properties like compressive strength, bulk density, water absorption, porosity, and sorptivity. The optimal doses of mineral additives to replace cement were investigated for different combinations of mortar blends. The maximum compressive strength at the curing age of 28 days was obtained at 20% of fly ash, 30% of GGBS, and 10% of silica fume replacement. The compressive strength of mortar was maximum in the case of silica fume compared to fly ash, GGBS, and control mix. The performance of the binary mix is relatively better than the ternary, quaternary, and control mix. The ternary mix performed better than the control mix. However, the performance of the quaternary mix was not significant. The study examined mortar microstructure by field emission scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction results find compounds in the mortar, like xonolite, portlandite, etc. X-ray fluorescence results determine the chemical composition of cement and mineral additives like CaO, SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , etc. The present study suggested that using mineral additives in cement could be a feasible solution for sustainable waste management and contribute to developing durable and eco-friendly construction materials.