Mechanical performance of cement mortar with olive pomace aggregates and olive mill wastewater: an experimental investigation

This study investigates the potential use of olive aggregates (OA) in production cementitious materials as a substitute for natural sand to reduce excessive this resource. Two types OA were used: OPA (olive pomace aggregates) and OPMW (OPA mixed with mill wastewater). The aim was determine experimentally whether improvements mechanical properties produced lightened cement mortar could be obtained compared reference mortar. Laboratory tests conducted on two series samples made by replacing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% both dry saturated OA. best results observed mixture containing 5% at state, which had marginal effect compressive strength mortar, reaching 33.50 MPa after 28 days curing. However, microstructural analysis revealed low adhesion between matrix interface transition zone (ITZ) days. Increasing content found decrease workability while also increasing porosity resulting Additionally, reduces ultrasonic pulse velocity dynamic modulus elasticity. Overall, meets standards general building materials.