Investigating the Various Sustainable Variables of Composite Ferrocement Mortar Using Residual Rock Wool Fibers

Abstract

The influence of using residual rock wool fibers on the properties of ferrocement mortar was researched. Rock wool (made from basalt) was used as a volumetric partial replacement of fine aggregate to estimate its effect on different properties of ferrocement mortar. The replacement process included using four percentages of rock wool fibers (0%, 2%, 4% and 6%) with two lengths (5 and 10 mm) to explore the possibility of producing sustainable ferrocement mortar. Two types of curing (water and CO2) were used for these mixtures. Compressive strength, flexural strength, density, absorption, and thermal conductivity was tested for different ages (7, 14, and 28 days). Development in compressive strength, flexural strength, and absorption were about 43% and 80.5%, 18.46% and 36.86%, and −34.5% and −39.5% for water and CO2 curing, respectively. This improvement was noticed in some mix proportions, in spite of considering sustainability through used materials and curing methods.