Abstract
PURPOSES : The objective of this study is to develop an optimized method of mix design for rapid-set lightweight-formed mortar mix. To achieve this objective, the workability, setting time, and compressive strength of mixes under various conditions of mix design were evaluated. METHODS : The water-bonder ratio, fly-ash substitution ratio, and forming agent injection amount were selected as design variables in the study. The fluidity, setting time, density, and strength of the mortar mix were considered as major evaluation criteria of the mixture, and were subsequently utilized to evaluate the characteristics of the mortar mix under various conditions. RESULTS : The observations made from the mix design process are as follows: 1) the air content and fluidity increase as the forming agent ratio and forming agent ratio increase, respectively; 2) the maximum air content is approximately 20%; 3) the accelerating agent decreases the fluidity of the mortar mix by 15% on average; 4) the forming agent injection ratio and fly-ash substitution ratio yield significant effects on the initial and final set times of the mortar mix; 5) as the forming agent injection ratio and fly-ash substitution ratio increase, the compressive strength of the mortar mix decreases; and 6) the 28-day compressive strengths of the forming agent injection ratio and fly-ash substitution ratio yield the most significant effects. CONCLUSIONS : It is concluded that the governing design variables for the rapid-set lightweight-formed mortar mix are the forming agent injection ratio and fly-ash substitution ratio.
