Effect of crushed ceramic and basaltic pumice as fine aggregates on concrete mortars properties

This study examines the suitability of ceramic industrial wastes and huge amounts of basaltic pumice as a possible substitute for conventional crushed fine aggregates. Experiments were carried out to determine abrasion resistance, chloride penetration depths and the compressive strengths of concrete with crushed ceramic waste and basaltic pumice fine aggregates and to compare them with those of conventional concretes. Test results indicated that ceramic wastes and basaltic pumice concretes had good workability. Furthermore, it was found that abrasion resistance of crushed ceramic (CC) and crushed basaltic pumice (CBP) concretes was lower than that of conventional concretes. Test results also showed that maximum abrasion rate was obtained from specimen control (Mo), while minimum abrasion rate is obtained from M3 (60% crushed ceramic concrete) specimens. Abrasion resistance was increased as the rate of fine CC was decreased. Abrasion resistance of concrete was strongly influenced by its compressive strengths and CC and crushed CBP content. The crushed ceramic addition percentage decreased as the chloride penetration depth increased. Results of this investigation showed that CC and CBP could be conveniently used for low abrasion and higher compressive strength concretes. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.