Assessment of the Possibility of Using Chalcedonite Powder as a Component of Mortars

Abstract The article presents the results of the assessment of the possibility of using chalcedonite powder as a partial replacement for cement in mortars. Portland cement CEM I 42.5 R was used as a binder, which was replaced in the amount of 5%, 20%, 35% and 50% with chalcedonite powder. The experimental tests concerned the determination of the technological and mechanical properties of mortars: consistency, air content, compressive and bending strength, supplemented by X-ray diffraction analysis and calorimetric measurements of the pastes. The research results indicate that chalcedonite powder can be used in the production of mortars. The best mechanical properties of tested mortars were obtained in the case of replacing cement with the addition of powder in the amount of 5% and 20%.