Evaluation of Structural Mortars Made with Mixed Recycled Aggregates with Different Composition

Abstract

In the present study are analyzed the mechanical and durability properties of structural mortars made with total replacement of natural aggregates by recycled aggregates. These properties are compared with those provided by a standard mortar made with natural aggregate. Three different compositions of mixed recycled aggregates from typical housing typologies of Havana and a natural aggregate which has high quality were used. A 1:2 gravimetric mix proportion for all mortars was used, in order to obtain a compressive strength above 40 MPa. The results show mortars containing recycled aggregates have lower mechanical and durability performances than standard mortar, but depending on the composition of aggregate these benefits differ considerably. The mortars containing recycled aggregates with a majority ceramic composition gave the best mechanical and durability performances among the recycled mortars.