Combined effects of chopped carbon and glass fibres on mechanical properties of lime-based mortar

Abstract

Lime-based mortars have been used as bonding materials between stones or bricks since ancient times. It is an integral part of many structures and generally is used to fill the gaps between construction blocks (mortar joint) and strengthen the structures. Nowadays, different organic and inorganic substances are added to mortars in order to improve their physical and mechanical properties. This study deals with the combined effects of chopped carbon and glass fibres on mechanical properties of hydraulic lime-based mortar. Accordingly, lime-based mortar is prepared and chopped carbon (CCF) and glass (CGF) fibres are used as reinforcing materials in the lime-based mortar (1% by plain mortar weight). Five different combinations are investigated: Mixture-1 (100% CCF + 0% CGF), Mixture-2 (75% CCF + 25% CGF), Mixture-3 (50% CCF + 50% CGF), Mixture-4 (25% CCF + 75% CGF), Mixture-5 (0% CCF + 100% CGF). After reinforcing process, mechanical characterization tests are conducted on the mixtures at the end of 28 days curing. In the second stage, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations and high definition visual inspection are carried out in order to investigate the interface mechanism between fibres and mortar. In the third stage, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is performed to see whether differences between mechanical properties are statistically significant.