Effect of Red Mud (RM) Reinforcement on Physio-Chemical Characteristics of Ordinary Portland Slag Cement (OPSC) Mortar

Abstract

The investigation focuses on evaluating the effect of varying % of Red Mud (RM) reinforcement with Ordinary Portland Slag Cement (OPSC). Characterisation is done by adding 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% of RM by weight to OPSC. RM + OPSC composite mortars are made in an 8.5 × 5 × 4 cm3 cast iron mould with external vibration keeping water-binder ratio 0.4 by weight. The mortars are cured in water for 28 days and their physio-chemical characteristics are investigated. Mortar performances like compressive strength, hardness, XRD, FTIR, SEM are diagnosed. The composite mortars cementing properties are compared with original OPSC. The result reveals the augmentation of RM with OPSC increases the hydration capacity of OPSC with improved compressive strength. The experimental optimization shows a maximum value up to 10% - 20% OPSC can be replaced by RM as filling material.