Behavior of Zero-Cement Mortar: An Experimental Study

In this study, an attempt is made to study the performance of the mortar by complete eradication of cement with the use of alternative pozzolanic materials, such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), bagasse ash (BA), and rice husk ash (RHA). This research focuses mainly on evolving a zero-cement mortar (Z-cem) using supplementary cementitious materials (GGBS, BA, and RHA) with chemical activators like sodium hydroxide in combination with sodium silicate. Five different levels of replacement Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, and Z5 were proposed to study the optimum level of replacement of pozzolanic materials. Chemical activators having the concentration of 9 M were used in the ratio of 2.5 and 5% by its weight to bind the pozzolanic materials. Various studies such as workability property by slump cone test with mechanical properties like compressive strength, split tensile strength, and durability properties like water absorption and fire resistance tests were performed. Results show that the blending of pozzolanic materials activated by alkaline activators as a complete replacement to cement will perform better, both in terms of strength and durability.