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Optimization of Multi-Component Cement Mortar Using a Taguchi Orthogonal Array Design
Saruul Shinebayar1, Yipei Chen2, Jin Kim3
1Department of Civil Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Optimized low-carbon cement mortars using natural zeolite, fly ash, and slag achieved superior 28-day strength and significantly reduced Global Warming Potential (GWP). This eco-efficient approach enhances construction sustainability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Construction
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- The construction sector significantly contributes to global carbon emissions.
- Developing low-carbon cementitious materials is crucial for environmental sustainability.
- Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) offer a pathway to reduce cement's carbon footprint.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize multi-component cement mortars using natural zeolite (NZ), fly ash (FA), blast furnace slag (BFS), and calcium hydroxide (CH).
- To evaluate the mechanical, physical, microstructural, and environmental performance of optimized mixtures.
- To identify a high-performance, eco-efficient, low-carbon cementitious material.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an L9 Taguchi orthogonal array for experimental design.
- Performed range analysis to determine optimal mixture proportions.
- Evaluated compressive strength at 7 and 28 days.
- Assessed Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Eco-Efficiency Index (EEI).
Main Results:
- The optimized mixture (OPT1: 10% NZ, 10% FA, 40% BFS, 2% CH) showed enhanced 28-day compressive strength (62.67 MPa).
- SCMs initially reduced early-age strength but improved later-age strength development.
- OPT1 demonstrated a 35% reduction in GWP and 1.6 times higher EEI compared to control.
Conclusions:
- The optimized multi-component system offers a viable solution for high-performance, low-carbon cement mortars.
- Incorporation of NZ, FA, and BFS effectively enhances mechanical properties and environmental performance.
- This research supports the development of sustainable construction materials with reduced environmental impact.
Keywords:
compressive strengthmulti-component cement mortarsupplementary cementitious materialstaguchi orthogonal array designMore Related Videos
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