Use of fine recycled aggregates from ceramic waste in masonry mortar manufacturing

This paper evaluates the performance of fresh and hardened masonry mortar manufactured using fine recycled aggregate from ceramic partition wall rubble. Five mortars were prepared replacing 0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 40% of the natural sand by fine recycled aggregate. A 1:7 volumetric cement-to-aggregate ratio was used. The data were analysed using a one-way analysis of variance and the results showed that replacement ratios of up to 40% by volume did not significantly affect the properties of fresh and hardened mortar, with the exception of density and workability. Therefore, the use of fine recycled aggregates in masonry mortar manufacturing could be a viable alternative that would help increase the recycling rate of construction and demolition waste and support sustainable development in the building sector.

► The performance of mortar manufactured using ceramic aggregates was evaluated.
► Five mortars were tested with different replacement ratios of 0%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 40%.
► The aggregates were replaced by volume.
► Replacement ratios of up to 40% do not affect the properties of mortar.
► The use of ceramic aggregates in masonry mortar manufacturing is a viable alternative to current practice.