Preparation and Properties of Lightweight Cement Mortar with Granulated Blast Furnace Slag and Expanded Perlite as Aggregate

A new type of lightweight cement mortar was developed by using ground granulated blast furnace slag, quartz sand and expanded perlite as aggregates which were mixed with cement homogeneously. Consistence was used to characterize the workability of lightweight cement mortar. The effect of the components, including the proportions of granulated blast furnace slag and the addition of fly ash, on the properties was investigated in details. The results showed that the values of compressive and flexural strength increased with the ratio of slag to sand. Additionally, the introduction of fly ash improved the consistency and strength properties of lightweight cement mortar.