The Performance of Alkali-Activated Cappadocia Waste Earth as Repair Mortars for On-Site Applications


Özata Ş., Aktürk B., Yüzer N., Arun E. G.

RİLEM LHS Workshop I Lime Based Materials for Repairing Historic Structures , Thessaloniki, Greece, 3 - 04 February 2022, pp.1-10

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • City: Thessaloniki
  • Country: Greece
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-10
  • Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Valorization of the abundant and readily accessible waste rock-cut

carving earth of Cappadocia as a precursor through alkali-activated mortars is

aimed in this study to be used on historical structures. Numerous mortar mixes

were designed with different substitutions of Cappadocia natural pozzolan (CNP),

which is a kind of natural pozzolan, slaked lime (CH), and natural hydraulic lime

(NHL). Two different alkali activators were used to determine their effects on

compressive strength. A superplasticizer was used to enhance workability. A mini-

slump test was performed to determine the workability of the mixes. In addition,

mechanical, physical, and durability properties such as compressive strength, open

and real density, water absorption coefficient by capillarity, and freeze-thaw

resistance were designated. After evaluating test results, the selected mortar was

used to fill the cracks on the damaged wall of masonry and rock-cut historical

structures to check its on-site performance. It was inferred that alkali-activated

CNP (AACNP) with a certain CH-substitution displayed the best mechanical,

physical, and durability performance. Test results and on-site observations

demonstrated that AACNP could be used as an alternative mortar and might be an

appropriate repair mortar for conserving historical buildings, considering its

properties.