Influence of the fineness modulus of sand on the compressive strength of corresponding mortar

Description

This work proposes a mathematical model describing the evolution of compressive strengths of mortar with the fineness moduli of the sand used as filler. Five different sands samples were analyzed through particle size distribution and the determination of their respective fineness moduli. The fineness moduli varied between 2.2 and 3.3 and the organic matter content of each sand sample were below 0.5%. The values of compressive strengths of mortar specimens from natural sands mortars vary from 19 to 27 MPa and increase with the fineness modulus. SB3 sand (FM=3.1) and SG5 sand (FM=2.2) were mixed to vary the fineness modulus from 2.2 to 3 and the compressive strengths of each corresponding mortar specimen determined after 28 days. The compressive strength of the mortar issued from the mixed sands is observed to be greater than that issued from the natural sand of the same fineness modulus. Finally, the compressive strength of mortar and the fineness modulus of corresponding sand are related by a function of the form: y=ax+b.