Experimental Investigations of Partial Replacement of OPC with PFA and GGBS in cement mortar

Production of cement has been identified as a major source of carbon dioxide, particulates, and other gases, where it was reported that the production of one ton of OPC could produce one ton of CO₂. These gases and particulates exert significant effects on human health and the environment. Therefore, the supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are becoming sustainable concrete in comparison with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) by decreasing the consumption of cement and carbon dioxide emissions. This experimental study is to focus on the effect of partial replacement in cement by pulverized fly ash (PFA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). Four mixes were used with different values of PFA and GGBS and they tested at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. The compressive strength of these specimens was carried out by a compression test. The test results revealed that increasing the ratios of PFA and GGBS replacement results in a decrease in the compressive strength of specimens. The decrease in compressive strength of SCMs mortar ranged from 20 to 30%, and they could be an acceptable value.