Characterization of Lightweight Mortars with Cork and Olive Stone Waste for Old Building Rehabilitation

Abstract

This paper investigates the potential of using cork and olive stone waste as lightweight aggregates in repointing mortars for the rehabilitation of old buildings. For this purpose, mortar blends were prepared like 1/3 mortar partly replacing ordinary sand with different percentages of cork or olive stones aggregates with a grain size of 0-4 mm. The partial substitution rates are: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% respectively with a constant amount of binder (Portland cement CEM I 42.5R). All Specimens prepared were remolded after 24h then cured in potable water at 20±2°C until the date of the test. In course of this research, the mechanical and physical features were highlighted while taking into account certain parameters such as consistency, fresh density, mechanical performance (compressive strength, tensile strength), durability (absorption in immersion, capillary water absorption coefficient and chloride penetration). The results demonstrated that incorporating 30% olive stone waste as a sand replacement in the mortar resulted in improved durability and long-term performance compared to control blends. Additionally, all mortars containing lightweight aggregates were lighter than the control mortar.