Title:
Pitchstone Fines – A New Naturally Occurring Pozzolan from North Queensland
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Publication:
CIA
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DOI:
Date:
2/14/2011
Abstract:
Global warming presents an ever-challenging battle to humankind, as emissions arising from industrially produced greenhouse gases are predicted to alter the long-term climatic patterns of earth. Harmful environmental emissions arising during the manufacture of Portland cements (C) can be effectively reduced by incorporating siliceous-aluminous based supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), as partial cement replacements. In Australia, mined pitchstone fi nes (PF), derived as waste material from expandable perlite production, are a viable SCM for reducing cement consumption using an eco-friendly approach. This paper reports on the results of an experimental investigation into the pozzolanic activity of PF. Up to 40% cement was replaced with PF in mortar mixes. In addition, PF was used to partially replace sand. Strength activity index (SAI) values for PF were evaluated using accelerated 28-day compressive strengths for all PF substitution levels, with flows and wet densities of mortar mixes reported.