Effects of Sand/Binder Ratios on the Mechanical Properties of Mortars Containing Fly ash and Silica fume

Abstract

The need to use less energy in the overall construction process and to produce less greenhouse gases is imperative. Cement production is one of the world`s most energy intensive industries. Global carbon dioxide ( CO₂) emissions from cement production were approximately 829 million metric tons of CO2 in 2000, about 3.4 % of global CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion and cement production. To use less cement, there are several choice in the concrete technology. One of the most popular choice is to use the mineral admixture as a cement replacement. Another one is to use less cement in concrete. This study presents details of an investigation into the effect of sand content upon the strength and shrinkage of mortar.