Self –Consolidating Grout for Masonry Construction

Abstract

This thesis presents a study on developing self-consolidating grout (SCG) for masonry construction using locally available materials. It presents a brief review on the previous studies carried out on the production of self-consolidating grout (SCG) for masonry applications and the effect of using different materials on the fresh and hardened properties of SCG and its durability performance is reviewed as well. An experimental program is designed to achieve the objectives of the study and divided into two phases. Phase 1, to develop SCG mixes using different available local materials including Portland cement, natural sand, crushed dolomite as coarse aggregate, silica fume and chemical admixture. The variables considered in this phase include cement content, silica fume dosage, and water to cement ratio. A mix design approach has been developed for SCG mixes for both cases of fine and coarse grouts. The fresh and hardened properties of the developed SCG mixes are presented. Two of the successfully developed SCG mixes (one fine and the other is coarse) are selected and used to grout five masonry walls that are investigated in phase 2. The behavior and performance of these five masonry walls grouted using the selected SCG mixes are investigated throughout the height of 3 m wall assemblies through physical evaluation. Following the mix design approach introduced in the current study, grout mixes that satisfy acceptance criteria for SCG for masonry construction are successfully developed having wide range of strengths that suit different masonry applications.