Extrusion of wood mortars: a process for optimizing their formulation and mechanical properties

Author(s): Jean Gerard Ndong Engone, Chafika Djelal, Yannick Vanhove and Hassina Kada
Paper category: Proceedings of the International RILEM Conference Materials, Systems and Structures in Civil Engineering 2016 Segment on Fresh Concrete
Editor(s): Lars N. Thrane, Claus Pade, Oldrich Svec and Nicolas Roussel
ISBN: 978-2-35158-184-1
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-185-8
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2016
Pages: 62-73
Total Pages: 12
Language : English

Abstract: The aim of this project is to develop a sawdust-based mortar mix design capable of being extruded in block form for construction uses. These blocks must offer a minimum level of strength to be considered as load-bearing masonry components. Their strength reaches 8 MPa in a load-bearing configuration and 3.5 MPa as facing blocks. The present article provides the enhancements and characterization of blocks that have been optimized for extrusion. The influence of sawdust on both the rheological and mechanical properties of a wood mortar is studied on a sand mortar mix. In a subsequent step, this mortar mix is optimized for the extrusion step in seeking to obtain a material capable of resisting deformations once removed from the extruder. By virtue of this mix, a wood mortar formulation can be optimized for the extrusion process. The characterization of optimized wood mortar blocks reveals that blocks derived from two mix designs are compliant with standards as regards the mechanical strength required for use as load-bearing masonry elements.

Online publication : 2016
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00