Characterization studies on eco-friendly grout materials

Abstract

Grout is a dense fluid that is used to fill the gaps or used as reinforcement in existing structures. Over the last few decades, grouting technology (the use of grouts) has grown into one of the disciplines in the engineering field. The objective is to study the performance of the developed grout materials for joints of precast structural components for low cost housing with the replacement of additives or admixtures by using different industrial by-products such as Fly Ash (FA) and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS) as eco-friendly grout materials. Generally, in grout materials, shrinkage is the major concern, and to overcome this difficulty in the developed grout mix, an expansive material, namely bentonite, is introduced. Various studies, such as, Particle size analysis, heat of hydration, compressive strength, water absorption, and shrinkage tests on the developed grout mixes were conducted. The result of this studies derives the characteristics of the developed grout mix. To substantiate the obtained results, the qualitative and quantitative analyses, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA), and scanning electron microscopy, are also carried out to determine the behaviour of cementitious grout which has been compared with available commercial grouts.