LAUSR

Abstract The present study aims at testing the effect of mafic minerals content in metagabbro (MG), when used as an alternative cement binder, on the physico-mechanical and durability properties of cement pastes and mortars. For this purpose, the mineralogical, chemical composition and physical properties of metagabbro as well as Ordinary Portland cement were determined using XRD, XRF, particle size distribution, specific surface area, and specific gravity. In the present study, two types of mixes including cement pastes and mortar mixes were prepared using metagabbro powder as an alternative binder at certain proportions for cement pastes and mortar up to 35% and 25%; respectively. The physico-mechanical properties of all prepared mixes were determined and discussed at different curing ages starting with 7 d and ending with 90 d, while the durability properties were measured only for the hardened mortar mixes cured at 90 d. The results clearly revealed that using up to 15% metagabbro replacing for cement binder improved the physico-mechanical properties of cement pastes by reducing water absorption, voids and apparent porosity, while increasing the compressive strength compared with the control mixes. The modified mixes using more than 15% metagabbro powder exhibited a negligible decline in physical and mechanical properties of cement mortars. Regarding the durability properties, the addition of metagabbro achieved an enhancement towards the sorptivity, abrasion resistance, as well as sulfate attack more than the control mix. The results of physico-mechanical and durability properties of all mixes, incorporating metagabbro, comply with the requirements of masonry mortars and cement tiles.