Novel masonry grout incorporating high volumes of industrial by-products: microstructure characteristics and pursuance of durability properties

• DOI: 10.1007/s44150-021-00012-x
• Publication Date: 2021-10-25T03:15:45Z
• Authors: R. Ramesh Nayaka; U. Johnson Alengaram; Rathish Kumar Pan...; Fernando S. Fonseca; M. Sumesh; Anish Banerjee
• Keywords: Grout; Shrinkage; Thermogravimetric analysis; Sorptivity

Abstract One solution to the high cost and scarcity of building materials is to use alternative and sustainable materials. The study presented herein developed an eco-friendly masonry grout using high volumes of palm oil clinker powder to replace cement and palm oil clinker to replace coarse aggregate. Several batches of grouts with different amounts of these materials were made to determine the technical viability of the grout. SEM and XRD analyses were conducted to investigate the microstructure characteristics of the grout, and water absorption, initial rate of absorption, sulphate attack and electrical resistivity tests were conducted to determine its durability. Compressive strength tests were conducted at different curing ages and the drying shrinkage of the grout was monitored for 180 days. The results indicate that the new grout is as good as a conventional grout but with added sustainable and economical benefits. The new grout can be used in masonry construction and can be used to alleviate the inadequate supply of affordable housing.