Synergistic Optimization of Mortar Performance and Carbon Footprint Reduction Using Quarry Wastes and Natural Pozzolana: A Statistical and Experimental Study

Abdellah Douadi, Ali Makhlouf, Cherif Belebchouche (), Kamel Hebbache, Mourad Boutlikht, Laura Moretti, Paulina Faria, Hammoudi Abderazek, Sławomir Czarnecki () and Adrian Chajec
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Abdellah Douadi: Civil Engineering Research Laboratory of Setif (LRGCS), Department of Civil Engineering, Setif 1 University-Ferhat Abbas, Setif 19000, Algeria
Ali Makhlouf: Geological Sciences Department, FSBSA, Mouloud MAMMERI University of Tizi-Ouzou, PB N° 17 RP, Tizi Ouzou 15000, Algeria
Cherif Belebchouche: Civil Engineering Research Laboratory of Setif (LRGCS), Department of Civil Engineering, Setif 1 University-Ferhat Abbas, Setif 19000, Algeria
Kamel Hebbache: Civil Engineering Research Laboratory of Setif (LRGCS), Department of Civil Engineering, Setif 1 University-Ferhat Abbas, Setif 19000, Algeria
Mourad Boutlikht: Civil Engineering Research Laboratory of Setif (LRGCS), Department of Civil Engineering, Setif 1 University-Ferhat Abbas, Setif 19000, Algeria
Laura Moretti: Department of Civil, Constructional and Environmental Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
Paulina Faria: Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability, Department of Civil Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Hammoudi Abderazek: UR-MPE, M’hamed Bougara University, Independence Avenue, Boumerdes 35000, Algeria
Sławomir Czarnecki: Department of Materials Engineering and Construction Processes, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
Adrian Chajec: Department of Materials Engineering and Construction Processes, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-31

Abstract: The construction industry increasingly integrates technological advancements to enhance efficiency and meet technical, environmental, and economic requirements. Self-compacting mortars are gaining popularity due to their superior fluidity, optimized compaction, and improved mechanical properties. This study explores the potential of statistical mix design methodology to optimize self-compacting mortars’ fresh properties and strength development by replacing up to 20% of cement with pozzolana, limestone, and marble powder. A self-compacting mortar repository was used to develop robust models predicting slump flow, compressive strength at 28 days, water absorption, and capillary absorption. Results indicate that marble powder mixtures exhibit superior slump flow, up to 9% higher than other formulations. Compressive strengths range from 50 MPa to 70 MPa. Pozzolana and marble-based mortars show 15% and 12% strength reductions compared to the limestone-based mix, respectively. Water absorption increases slightly for mortars with marble (+2%) or pozzolana (+3%). The mortar containing marble powder has the lowest sorptivity coefficient due to its high specific surface area. The statistical analysis was conducted using a mixture design approach based on a second-order polynomial regression model. ANOVA results for the studied responses indicate that the calculated F-values exceed the critical thresholds, with p -values below 0.05 and R-squared values above 0.83, confirming the robustness and predictive reliability of the developed models. Life cycle assessment reveals that cement production accounts for over 80% of the environmental impact. Partial replacement with pozzolana, limestone, and marble powder reduces up to 19% of greenhouse gas emissions and 17.22% in non-renewable energy consumption, demonstrating the environmental benefits of optimized formulations.

Keywords: self-compacting mortar; mechanical properties; ANOVA; optimization; life cycle assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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