The mortar performance research with the addition of silica fume, glass powder, Amazon chestnut, and biopolymer additive

Abstract Waste reuse in buildings has proven to be an interesting alternative and more and more research is making it possible to it from many industrial sectors as raw material for making products, reducing the disposal and exploitation of natural resources. Associated with the above, the lime-based mortars in the restoration of historic buildings are since the material provides “breathability” to the substrate, facilitating the exchange of vapors due to its porosity, preventing condensation inside the masonry in addition to the low thermal conductivity, also the ability to accommodate the movements that the building may undergo over time. In this context, the objective of this work is to evaluate the physical, mechanical, chemical properties, and durability of mortars made with binder: sand: biopolymer, in the proportion 1: 3: 0.06 (by weight) where waste was added: silica fume and/or glass powder and/or crushed Amazon chestnuts. To this end, Portland cement or hydrated lime was used as a binder to provide a more in-depth analysis, also allowing the influence of this to be assessed. Mechanical tests (compressive strength and diametral compression strength), durability (immersion absorption, capillarity absorption), and ultrasonic pulse were carried out at 28 days of age. Finally, the benefits of inserting waste in the performance of the mortar were verified, mainly from Amazon chestnuts, which provided significant gains in tensile strength.