Abstract:
This study investigates the compressive and flexural strength of termite mound lime blended
cement mortar subjected to sulphate environment, made from mixes containing cement/termite
mound, cement/termite mound/lime and cement/lime and sand. Tests were performed on 50 x 50
x 50 mm mortar cube specimens for compressive strength and 50 x 50 x 250 mm prism
specimens for flexural strength. Two mix ratios (1:4 and 1:6) and varying binder replacement of
cement with lime or termite mound amounting to 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%. The
strength measurements of mortar were performed at the ages of 7, 14, 21, 28, 56 and 90 days.
The specimens were subjected to 2% and 4% MgSO4 environment. The test results showed that
the compressive and flexural strength of the mortar increases with age and decrease with
percentage replacement of cement with lime and termite mound. The mixes containing
cement/termite mound showed relatively higher compressive and flexural strength than other
mixes. The paper concluded that all the three types of blended cement tested would perform well
at 10% replacement level |
