Mechanical and durability analysis of cementary matrix produced with low cement content

Abstract

Alternatives have been studied in order to minimize the major environmental impacts arising from the production of cement and steel. Alternatives include adopting composite cements with the incorporation of alternative materials, to reduce the need for cement in the mixtures. Therefore, this study worked on the viability of incorporating steel residues in the mechanical performance of mortar and durability, evaluating the partial and total replacement of Portland Cement (PC) by granulated blast furnace slag (EGAF) and residue from the Desulfurization process of flue gases (FGD). The results found show that the association of these residues in place of cement improved the mechanical performance of the mortars by around 40%. In addition to having a lower modulus of elasticity and lower absorption of water by capillarity, properties that significantly increase the durability of the matrices. The contaminant leaching results did not show any contaminants in harmful amounts. The studies presented demonstrate that the simultaneous use of FGD and EGAF to replace Portland cement were satisfactory, obtaining better mechanical and durability performances than the reference ones, enabling the use of these residues in the production of mortars with low cement content.