The effect of high temperature on the properties of cement based light mortars produced by using expanded vermiculite

This thesis concerns the investigation of some physical and mechanical properties of mortars produced by using expanded vermiculite as a lightweight aggregate after exposed to high temperatures. In experimental study, mortar specimens with vermiculite/cement ratios of 3, 4, 5, and 6 by volume are produced. Portland and alumina cements are the two types of cements used in mixtures. Some physical properties such as unit weight, water absorption, porosity and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests, and flexural and compressive strength tests for mechanical properties are performed on reference specimens at ambient temperature and specimens subjected to the temperatures of 300°C, 600°C, 900°C ve 1100°C. Depending on the experimental test results, it can be concluded that expanded vermiculite can be used as a lightweight aggregate in production of refractory cement based composite tiles, and also in applications of heat insulation plaster in structures.