Improvement in Long-term Strength and Flow of Mortar Containing Reed Ash and Powder

Abstract

The use of plants as resources has been investigated to improve the quality of closed water areas. In this study, the strength properties of mortar containing reed ash are examined to utilize the inorganic components of reeds; furthermore, the improvement in flowability due to the addition of reed powder to mortar is investigated to utilize the organic components of reeds. The results confirm that mortar containing reed ash improves the strength in the long term, and that mortar containing reed powder improves flowability. However, it is observed that reed ash decreases the flowability of mortar, and that reed powder inhibits strength development. To address these issues, mortar is mixed with both reed powder and reed ash. The resulting mixture exhibits improved flowability when mortar is mixed with phenols, which results in long-term strength via pozzolanic reaction.