Feasibility of manufacturing self-compacting mortar with high elastic modulus by Al2O3 micro powder: A preliminary study.

• SCM with high elastic modulus was developed by using AMP. • Fluidity, microstructure, mechanical strength, and durability of SCM were studied. • DME of SCM was characterized via ultrasonic testing technology. • DME of SCM was increased by 4.37 ∼ 9.97% due to the addition of AMP. • Durability properties of SCM were markedly improved due to the addition of AMP. Cementitious composites are one of the most widely used building materials in civil engineering. However, their low Young's modulus cannot meet the requirements of long-span structures. This work carried out a feasibility study on producing self-compacting mortar (SCM) with high elastic modulus by using Al 2 O 3 micro powder (AMP). Effects of AMP on the workability, microstructure, mechanical properties, and durability properties of SCM were systematically investigated. The dynamic modulus of elasticity (DME) of SCM was characterized via ultrasonic testing technology. It was found that, 1) due to the addition of AMP, the porosity of SCM was reduced by 2.64 ∼ 13.64%, and the threshold pore diameter of SCM was decreased; 2) the flexural strength and compressive strength of SCM were increased by 4.40 ∼ 15.85% and 2.35 ∼ 14.33%, respectively, because of the incorporation of AMP; 3) the drying shrinkage of SCM was reduced by 6.46 ∼ 11.21%, and the chloride migration coefficient of SCM was decreased by 3.38 ∼ 18.64%, due to the addition of AMP; 4) the optimal content of AMP in SCM was 10%, considering the effects of AMP on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and durability properties of SCM; 5) it was feasible to produce SCM with high elastic modulus by using AMP, and the DME of SCM was increased by 4.37 ∼ 9.97%, because of the incorporation of AMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]