Flow, water absorption, and mechanical characteristics of normal- and high-strength mortar incorporating fine bottom ash aggregates

This study focused on investigating the flow, water absorption, and mechanical characteristics of normal- and high-strength mortar incorporating fine bottom ash (FBA) aggregates. It was also intended to examine the effects of FBA aggregates on the performance of the mortar. The effects of FBA aggregates on the density, compressive strength, dynamic modulus of elasticity and flow characteristics of the mortar were investigated, and the porosity and water capillary absorption of the mortar were measured to evaluate the properties of moisture transport, which may affect the durability of the mortar. It was found from the study that the mortar flow was increased by 10–20% with the replacement by FBA aggregates. The specific compressive strength of the mortar with FBA aggregates was shown to be 5–11% higher than that of the mortar with normal fine aggregates. It was also shown that water would be absorbed more slowly into the mortar with FBA aggregates when the porosity was the same as that of the mortar with normal aggregates.

► The mortar flow was increased with the replacement by FBA aggregates as W/B decreased.
► The effect of aggregate shape on the mortar flow was more pronounced in the case of the mortar with normal W/B.
► The specific compressive strength of the mortar with FBA aggregates has higher value than the mortar with NF aggregates.
► Water would be absorbed more slowly into the mortar with FBA aggregates than NF aggregates at the same porosity.