Use of dregs and grits as partial replacement of cement: characterization and mechanical strength

Abstract

The use of supplementary cementitious materials to replace Portland clinker is one of the most effective strategies adopted by cement companies to reduce CO ₂ emission on large-scale. However, due to the limited availability of traditional materials, alternative options are being investigated. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the characteristics and effect of different replacement levels of cement by dregs and grits on compressive strength. The wastes were ground and particles smaller than 75 µm were used. Chemical and physical were performed to characterize the dregs and grits. For both wastes, replacement levels of 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30% of cement mass were evaluated in the mortar production. The water-cement ratio and superplasticizer admixture content were kept constant. In fresh state, the consistency index and incorporated air content were obtained. Mortars made with dregs had higher strength compared to grits due to the higher combined water content. The results showed that it is possible to replace up to 36% of cement with dregs to obtain a strength of 25 MPa; and 15% for 40 MPa.

Keywords:
Cement;Waste; Dregs; Grits; Supplementary cementitious materials