PHYSICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE UTILIZATION OF EXPANDED PERLITE AS FINE AGGREGATE FOR TYPE M STRUCTURAL LIGHTWEIGHT MORTAR

The study examined the influence of expanded perlite aggregates (EPA) on mortar properties and whether EPA could replace sand to produce that meets compressive strength requirement ASTM Type M mortar. involved fabricating mortars wherein was substituted by volumes 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% with three types (EPA A, B, Coarse). Results showed EPA-mortars can meet 17.2 MPa. sample attained its greatest 29.19 MPa, which is nearly equal control 29.42 upon replacing 60% volume A. In comparison density 2055 kg/m3, drop as low 1422 a 30.8% decrease. Additionally, it observed microstructure played role in resulting strength. Mortars highly absorbent Coarse were found have less than used has lower capacity for absorption more intact microstructure.