Comparison of the properties of mortars containing expanded clay, vermiculite, and rubber residue

Abstract Lightweight mortars are indicated for services that require low specific mass composites. There are several lightweight aggregates available on the market. Waste rubber from tires is a low-density waste option that can be used as lightweight aggregate. The rubber waste when used in mortar reduces its density, in addition to bringing benefits from an environmental point of view. In this research, the mechanical behavior, and physical properties of mortars in which the natural fine aggregate contents were replaced by mixtures in different proportions of rubber, expanded vermiculite, and expanded clay were investigated. For the analysis of the properties of the composites, they were submitted to tests of dynamic modulus of elasticity, damping, compressive strength, flexural strength, coefficient of capillarity, density, and determination of ultrasonic wave transmission velocity. All tested mortars met the requirements of the Brazilian standard, being indicated for laying and covering walls and ceilings, in addition to having excellent acoustic and damping performance.