The potentioal uses of red mud in building industries: mechnical properties and durability of red mud-based cement mortars in different curing conditions

Abstract

Red mud is classified as hazardous waste, and its disposal in the ponds and landfills causes severe environmental problems. This research deals with the impacts of using red mud (RM) in partial quantities with Portland cement on compressive strength and durability properties of cement mortars exposing to sulphuric acid. The mortar mixtures composed of Portland cement containing 0-20% raw RM or heated RM, were considered and compressive strength, water absorption, and weight loss of the specimens were investigated. Test results indicated that samples with 5% raw RM have relatively high compressive strength compared to control samples at an early age. The heated RM showed better results in comparison with raw RM. The losses of weight and compressive strength at ages 28 days and 60 days were examined after exposing the samples to sulphuric acid. Results revealed that the use of RM in cement mortars improves the durability of mortar.