High temperature resistance of mortars modified with expanded vermiculite powder

This thesis concerns the investigation of mortars, produced by using expanded vermiculite powder as a replacement of fine aggregate, at high temperatures. In mortar mixes, expanded vermiculite powders are replaced with fine aggregate as percentages of 0%, 15%, 30% ve 45%. Specimens produced were first kept in standard curing until 28 days, and then physical and mechanical tests were made on specimens subjected to 300 °C, 600 °C, ve 900 °C and, also on specimens under laboratory ambition temperature (reference specimens). Physical properties tests such as unit weight, water absorption, porosity, ultrasound velocity and also compression and flexural tests for mechanical properties were made on specimens. It can be concluded that cement based fired-resistant composites by using expanded vermiculite powder as an ingredient in mortars can be produced and expanded vermiculite powder can bu used as a fine aggregate in thermal isolation mortars.