Sustainable lightweight mortar using biochar as sand replacement

Abstract

This study suggests a new application of biochar particles into the cementitious material as a sustainable solution to prevent depletion of virgin aggregates and increase of carbon footprint. Biochar from olive stone wastes (OSB) is suggested for production of lightweight mortar to replace 25%, 45% and 60% of coarse sand (%V) with biochar. Some experiments are planned to assess the viability of inclusion of coarser particles of biochar in the cement mortar and its effect on the density, water absorption, UPV, modulus of elasticity, thermal conductivity and compressive strength. The experimental results are discussed and the possible correlation between the properties is established. The results show that the replacement of coarse sand with OSB up to 60% does not compromise the performance of cement mortar. They imply the promising effect of biochar addition on reduction of dead load and improvement of thermal and sound insulation of the lightweight mortar.