Applied Clay Science 45 (2009) 220–226

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Applied Clay Science

j o u r n a l h o m e p a g e : w w w. e l s ev i e r. c o m / l o c a t e / c l a y

Pakistani bentonite in mortars and concrete as low cost construction material

J. Mirza a,⁎, M. Riaz b, A. Naseer b, F. Rehman b, A.N. Khan b, Q. Ali b
a
Department of Robotics and Civil, Research Institute of Hydro-Quebec, Varennes, Quebec, Canada J3X 1S1
b
Department of Civil Engineering, NWFP University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: A Pakistani bentonite, in “as is” (21 °C) and “heated” (150 °C, 250 °C, 500 °C, 750 °C and 950 °C) conditions,
Received 16 September 2008 was incorporated in mortar cubes, concrete cylinders and concrete beams as a partial substitute for Ordinary
Received in revised form 28 May 2009 Portland cement (OPC) and studied in detail. Results showed that OPC mortars and concrete containing 20%
Accepted 8 June 2009
“as is” and 25% “heated to 150 °C” bentonite could be used as low-cost construction materials. They will also
Available online 13 June 2009
reduce energy consumption, preserve natural resources and solve environmental problems related to cement
production as well as augment the durability and life cycle of the concrete structures.
Keywords:
Ordinary Portland cement
The X-ray diffraction patterns showed that bentonite possessed both crystalline and amorphous phases. The
Bentonite strength activity indices (SAI) after 7 and 28 days were higher than 75% for “as is” and “heated” bentonite,
Mortar except for the 950 °C samples, which was below the ASTM C618 specified limit of 75%. The maximum SAI was
Concrete shown by “150 °C heated” bentonite. The compressive strength data also showed similar results for OPC
Mechanical properties mortar cubes and concrete cylinders containing “150 °C heated” bentonite. When compared with the control
mixture, the compressive strength values were the same as for mortar containing 25% bentonite as replace-
ment of OPC. However, these values decreased in concrete initially and started to gain strength remarkably
after 28 days. Resistance to sulphate attack and water absorption tests on mortar cubes soaked in 2% mag-
nesium sulphate and 5% sodium sulphate solutions demonstrated consistent improvement as the bentonite
content in them was increased. The modulus of rupture of all concrete beams decreased as the OPC
substitution level by bentonite increased from 20% to 40%. Bond strength of OPC mortar containing 20% “as
is” and 25% “heated to 150 °C” bentonite in brick prisms was almost the same as that of control mixture.
© 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction
More than half of Pakistan's population lives below the poverty
line and the increasing cost of daily usage items is a great burden to
a majority. Besides other items, the cost of cement has also increased
by more than 150% in a short span of ten years. Low-cost pozzolans
(natural and industrial) must, therefore, be explored to benefit the
construction industry, as well as the poor people of Pakistan.
Natural pozzolans have been used in building construction for cen-
turies. The use of volcanic ash and heated clay dates back to 2000 BC and
earlier in some cultures. Many of Roman, Greek, Indian, and Egyptian
pozzolan concrete structures still exist today, attesting to the dura-
bility of these materials. The North American experience with natural
pozzolans dates back to the early 20th century public works projects,
such as dams, where they were used to control temperature rise in mass
concrete and to act as cementing materials (Kosmatka et al., 2002).
It is generally accepted that the use of natural pozzolans in cement,
or concrete systems results in many beneficial properties such as low
heat of hydration, high ultimate strength, low permeability, high
sulphate resistance, and low alkali–silica activity (ACI, 1994). In ad-
⁎ Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 450 652 8308; fax: +1 450 652 1316.
E-mail address: mirza@ireq.ca (J. Mirza).
dition, it is well established that the use of pozzolanic and cemen-
titious materials can ensure sustainability of the cement and concrete
industries. This importance is not only related to the energy effi-
ciency and environmental aspects of the cement industry, but also to
the durability and life cycle performance and costs of the concrete
structures (Mehta, 1998).
Bentonite, a natural pozzolan, is commonly divided into sodium
(high-swelling), calcium (low-swelling) and intermediate (moderate-
swelling) type, containing both sodium and calcium ions. Typically
high swelling bentonites have a frothy texture caused by its alternate
swelling and drying, whereas low-swelling types have a cracked
appearance. Therefore, the properties of mortars and concrete will
vary accordingly depending upon the type of bentonite used in them.
Bentonite occurs in many different areas of North West Frontier
Province (NWFP) of Pakistan. One of the bentonites, originating from
the Karak district and spread over an area of about 18 km2, was
studied in this research program. Its thickness varies generally from
6 m to 24 m, however, thicknesses of about 39 m have also been found
in some places. It is estimated that about 36 million tons of deposits of
bentonite exist in the Karak district (Ahmad and Siddiqi, 1995). It can
be dark bluish grey, greenish grey and brownish green in colour. Karak
bentonite is rich in clay minerals comprising illite–smectite (with or
without illite/muscovite) and kaolinite (Saleemi and Ahmed, 2000).

0169-1317/$ – see front matter © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.clay.2009.06.011
 J. Mirza et al. / Applied Clay Science 45 (2009) 220–226 221

Several preliminary studies were undertaken to evaluate the The fine aggregate used was natural silica river sand from Nizam
industrial wastes in Pakistan, such as blast furnace slag, fly ash, rice Pur with a fineness modulus of 2.3. The coarse aggregate used was
husk ash, etc. However, the data for the natural pozzolans such as crushed limestone from Basai quarry in NWFP, with a maximum size
volcanic ash, bentonite, meta-kaolin, and other clays, etc., is at best of 19 mm and a bulk specific gravity 2.66.
scarce, or non-existent. This research program attempts to evaluate Karak bentonite was collected and studied in “as is” (21 °C) and
the performance of the Karak bentonite, as partial replacement for “heated” (150°, 250°, 500°, 750° and 950 °C) conditions. The bentonite
Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in mortar and concrete mixtures. The was ground to powder, heated for 3 h and after cooling to room
main objectives were to determine the pozzolanic reactivity and to temperature, sieved through #325 sieve (45 mm). The bentonite had
evaluate the durability characteristics of optimized substitution levels high calcium content (Table 1).
of bentonite in OPC mortar and concrete. Incorporating them in
mortar and concrete as a substitute for cement will certainly reduce 3.2. Specimen preparation
the cost, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and
would also minimize depletion of natural resources. Mortar cubes, 50 mm ×50 mm ×50 mm in size, were prepared in
accordance with ASTM Standard C109 (ASTM, 2007c). The control
2. Mechanism of pozzolanic reaction mixture consisted of cement-to-sand ratio of 1:2.75 and water-to-cement
ratio of 0.485. In all other specimens water-to-binder (cement+
A “pozzolan is a siliceous or siliceous and aluminous material bentonite) ratio (W/B) was also kept constant at 0.485. The cement in
which in itself possesses little or no cementing property but will in a the mortar was replaced by bentonite in proportions of 20%, 25%, 30%,
finely divided form and in the presence of moisture chemically reacts 40%, 50% and 100% by mass, for the compressive strength test. These
with calcium hydroxide (CH) at ordinary temperatures to form mortars were also tested for strength activity indices (SAI) in “as is” and in
compounds possessing cementitious properties (ASTM, 2007a).” “heated” conditions, resistance to sulphate attack and water absorption.
It is well known that OPC when mixed with water forms a bind- The resistance to sulphate attack was based on the relative loss of
ing hydrated cement paste (hcp) of calcium silicate hydrates (CSH) compressive strength when the OPC mortar cubes containing
and liberates calcium hydroxide (CH). This reaction is generally quite bentonite were immersed in 2% magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) and
rapid. However, when a pozzolan is present, its silica component 5% sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) solutions for periods up to 28 days. The
reacts with the liberated CH in hcp and in the presence of water forms cubes were cured for 7 days in potable water prior to immersion in the
CSHs. This reaction is generally slow; resulting in a slow rate of heat sulphate solutions to ensure that the cubes gained sufficient strength
liberation and strength development. Also, the reaction is lime- before sulphate attack. The solutions were changed every week to
consuming, instead of lime-producing, which has an important keep its concentration stable.
bearing on the durability of hcp in acidic environments. Moreover, For the water absorption test, the cubes were first kept in an oven
pore size distribution studies of hydrated pozzolanic cements have at 105 °C for 24 h and weighed. They were then immersed in water for
shown that the reaction products are very efficient in filling up the 24 h and weighed again.
larger capillary pores, thus improving the strength and imperme- The masonry bond strength of OPC mortars brick prisms
ability of the system (Mehta and Monteiro, 1993). In addition to (22.9 cm × 22.9 cm × 45.8 cm), were cast on a smooth platform with
reactive silica, pozzolans also contribute reactive alumina, which in binder-to-sand ratio of 1:5, both for the control as well as the mortars
the presence of CH and sulphate ions present in the system, form containing bentonite. The OPC in the test mortar was replaced by 20,
cementitious products such as teteracalcium aluminate hydrate 25 and 40% of bentonite. The W/B was maintained constant at 0.9, for
(C4AH13), tricalcium aluminate hydrate (C3AH6), hydrated gehlenite all the mortar specimens.
(C2AH6), and CSH (Neville, 1981). Concrete cylinders, 150 mm × 300 in size (cement:sand:coarse
aggregates ratio = 1:2:4, commonly used in Pakistan) were prepared
3. Experiment using a constant W/B of 0.55. The cement in the concrete was replaced
by bentonite in proportions of 20 and 30% (“as is”) and 20%, 25%, 30%,
3.1. Materials 40% and 50% (heated to 150 °C) by mass. The concrete cylinders were
tested after 7, 14, 28 and 56 days.
Locally available OPC conforming to the ASTM Standard C150-07 The effect of bentonite on the workability of concrete was de-
(ASTM, 2007b) was used (Table 1). termined by comparing slump values of concretes at constant W/B,
but with different percentages of bentonites as OPC replacement.
Table 1 Concrete beams, 150 mm × 150 mm × 750 mm in size, were also cast
Physical properties and chemical composition of OPC and Karak bentonite. to determine the modulus of rupture, or flexural strength of concrete
OPC Bentonite ASTM C618
after 28 days. Mixture design was the same as for concrete cylinders.
“as is” In addition, four reinforced beams, 2.10 m long were also cast both
Class N requirements (%)
for control concrete and test beams containing 25% of bentonite as a
Physical properties
– % retained #325 mesh – 17 34 max. replacement of OPC. The beam cross section was 150 mm×300 mm.
– Specific gravity (g/cm3) 3.15 2.63 Minimum reinforcement was used in all beams, consisting of two 12.5 mm
– Strength activity index (%) diameter bars in tension and another two in the compression zone.
– 7 day – 96 75 min. Normal 9.5 mm diameter steel bars were used as stirrups throughout
– 28 day – 82 75 min.
Chemical composition (%)
the beam at a spacing factor of 150 mm on centres. The beams were
SiO2 20.10 49.44 cured for 28 days before testing for deflection and load carrying capacity.
Al2O3 6.12 19.7 All of the mortar and concrete specimens were kept in potable
Fe2O3 3.20 6.20 water to cure at an ambient laboratory temperature of 21 ± 1 °C and
CaO 63.34 7.45
relative humidity of 100%, until the testing day.
MgO 2.43 1.61 5 max.
Na2O – 0.87
K2O – 0.69 3.3. Tests
SO3 3.43 –
Loss on ignition – 13.74 10 max. The tests performed were: X-ray diffraction (XRD), strength
SiO2 + Al2O3 + Fe2O3 – 75.34 70 min.
activity index (ASTM C618, 2008), compressive strength of OPC and
222 J. Mirza et al. / Applied Clay Science 45 (2009) 220–226

bentonite mortars and concretes (ASTM C109, 2007c), resistance to

sulphate attack, water absorption (ASTM C642) and masonry bond
strength tests on mortar specimens, modulus of rupture or flexural
strength (ASTM C78-1994) on concrete beams. All specimens were
prepared and tested according to their respective ASTM standards,
wherever applicable (Section 3.2).

4. Results and discussion

4.1. XRD analysis

According to XRD data (Fig. 1) the “as is” as well as the “heated”
bentonites both contained some crystalline minerals and amorphous
phases, as indicated by somewhat raised background of the diffraction
patterns. All of them showed two major reflections, one for quartz and
other for illite. Kaolinite, chlorite, feldspar and muscovite were also
present in minor quantities.
Fig. 2. Strength activity indices of OPC mortars containing “as is” and “heated” bentonites
4.2. Strength activity index after 7 and 28 days.

As prescribed in ASTM Standard C618 (ASTM, 2008), the strength

activity index (SAI) is defined as:
SAI = ð A = BÞ × 100k
where
A = average compressive strength of the cement mortar cubes
containing bentonite, and
B = average compressive strength of cement mortar cubes without
bentonite.
According to the ASTM Standard C618, SAI should be a minimum of
75% of the control mixture at both 7 and 28 days. Fig. 2 shows the SA1
of OPC mortar and those incorporating “as is” (21 °C) and “heated to
150 °C, 250 °C, 500 °C, 750 °C and 950 °C” bentonites as a replacement
of OPC. Test data showed that:
– All of the OPC mortars containing “as is” and “heated” bentonites
conformed to the ASTM Standard C618 specifications, except for
“950 °C heated” bentonite, which was below the specified limit of
75%.
– SAI of OPC mortars containing “150 °C heated” bentonite was
slightly higher than the control mixture, mortars containing “as
is” and all other heated bentonites, after 7 and 28 days. It was
significantly low for mortar containing “950 °C heated” bentonite.
Therefore, only “150 °C heated” bentonite was selected for all
other tests aside from the mortars containing “as is” bentonite.
– The reactivity rates of the OPC mortar containing “150 °C heated”
bentonite was the same, both after 7 and 28 days. This indicated
that between 7 and 28 days, the OPC hydration and the pozzolanic
hydration reactions contributed to similar strength development
rate of the mortars, with or without the Karak bentonite. On the
other hand, the rate of reactivity of the cement mortar containing
“as is” bentonite was higher after 7 days than the 28 days
reactivity, showing a decrease in the reactivity rate. These tests
should have been carried out for longer periods of time to confirm
the published studies ( Berry, 1980; Mehta, 1981; Hansen, 1990)
which showed that the compressive strength increases consider-
ably after 28 days. It was also reported (Marsh and Day, 1988) that
from the time of casting until approximately 14 days, pozzolans
had no significant effect on strength. However, because of its
higher SAI, Karak bentonite (“as is” and “150 °C heated”) could be
used in the field which would produce very economical OPC
mortar and concrete mixtures.
4.3. Tests on mortars
4.3.1. Compressive strength
4.3.1.1. “As i s” bentonite.
– After ages 7, 14 and 28 days, the compressive strength of all OPC
mortar cubes incorporating “as is” bentonite was lower than the
control mixture, i.e., one containing 100% OPC (Fig. 3, Table 2).

Fig. 3. Compressive strength of OPC mortars containing “as is” bentonite after 7, 14 and
Fig. 1. XRD patterns of “as is” and “heated” bentonites. 28 days.
 J. Mirza et al. / Applied Clay Science 45 (2009) 220–226 223

Table 2 Table 3
Compressive strength of mortars containing “as is” bentonites as a % of control mixture. Compressive strength of mortars containing “150 °C heated” bentonites as a % of control
mixture.
Cement % Bentonite % Compressive strength (% of control)
7 day 14 day 28 day Cement (%) Bentonite (%) Compressive strength (% of control)

100 0 100 100 100 7 day 28 day

80 20 96 93 82 100 0 100 100
75 25 94 91 82 80 20 101 104
70 30 90 87 72 75 25 98 98
60 40 82 67 58 70 30 86 84
50 50 60 50 42 60 40 74 75
0 100 15 9 7 50 50 44 58
40 60 31 41
30 70 26 33
20 80 19 20
– The compressive strength of OPC mortars containing 20% and 25%
bentonite as a replacement of OPC showed similar values after 7, 14
and 28 days. It started decreasing progressively for OPC mortars
containing 30% and higher proportions of bentonite. mortar strength point of view. Its heat treatment cost could
– When 100% bentonite was used in the mortar, i.e., without OPC, its certainly be compensated by the compressive strength gain.
compressive strength was 2.4 and 1.6 MPa after 7 and 28 days, – After 28 days, the strength development gain was generally higher
respectively. This showed that the Karak bentonite is mostly than after 7 days for OPC mortars incorporating “150 °C heated”
pozzolanic with some cementing properties. bentonite. This data also indicated that during the first 7 days of
– After 7 days, the strength development gain in OPC mortars hydration, pozzolanic reaction contributed to the strength devel-
containing “as is” bentonite was higher compared with the 14 day opment of OPC mortar. In addition, these results also showed its
strength, which in turn, was higher than the 28 day strength. The advantage over the OPC mortar containing “as is” bentonite.
strength gain ratio thus decreased as the amount of OPC – The strength gain ratio generally increased as the level of bentonite
substitution by bentonite increased. This tendency showed a substitution in the OPC mortars was increased. This showed again
lower strength development rate as the curing period increased. that when the Karak bentonite mortar is used as a low-cost
This could perhaps be due to high loss on ignition content in construction material, it should be “heated to 150 °C” to achieve a
bentonite (Table 1). higher strength.
– Twenty-five percent substitution of OPC by bentonite showed
strength which was 82% of the control mixture (19.7 MPa) after 4.3.2. Resistance to sulphate attack
28 days. Later age studies are definitely warranted to determine
whether one should use this bentonite mortar as a low-cost – The compressive strength loss was much higher in the control
construction material. mixture compare to the mortars containing 25% bentonite as
replacement of cement in 2% MgSO4 and 5% Na2SO4 solutions
(Table 4).
4.3.1.2. “150 °C heated” bentonite.
– The sulfate resistance of OPC containing bentonite increased
considerably compared with the control mortar. Sulfate resistance
– After 7 and 28 days, when compared to the control mixture, the
of the former was 31% higher than for the latter when immersed in
compressive strength increased for OPC mortars containing 20% of
5% Na2SO4 solution for 70 days, while in 2% MgSO4 solution, it was
“150 °C heated” bentonite, but remained slightly lower for the
32% higher than the control mixture. This higher sulphate
mortar with 25% bentonite. Even these values were well over
resistance could be due to lower CH concentration in the mortar
20 MPa at 30% bentonite substitution level after 28 days. The
samples, which is highly prone to sulphate attack.
compressive strength decreased sharply when 50% or higher
– The effect of 2% MgSO4 and 5% Na2SO4 solutions on compressive
percentage of OPC was replaced by bentonite, suggesting that up to
strength of OPC mortars containing 25% bentonite was slightly
30% OPC can be replaced with “150 °C heated” bentonite without
lower than the ones cured in water. However, this effect remained
any significance decrease in strength for low-cost construction
the same for both sulphate solutions. This indicated that due to
work (Fig. 4, Table 3).
relatively lower effect of the sulphate solutions, the mortars
– Compared to mortars containing “as is” bentonite, OPC mortars
containing bentonites could be used in areas where there is a
containing “150 °C heated” bentonite was more beneficial from the
strong possibility of sulphate attack. Other studies (Barger et al.,
1997) also demonstrated that the heated clay provided sulphate
resistance greater than the high sulphate resistant Type 50 cement.

The substitution of about 30–40% of pozzolan for cement in

concrete can result in a considerable increase in the resistance to 2%
MgSO4 and 5% Na2SO4 solutions, but it is less effective against 5%
MgSO4 solution (Lea, 1971). The sulphate resistance of the cement
mortar improved with an increase in the pozzolan content. The
cement containing 20% to 30% pozzolan were considered satisfactory
with regard to chemical durability (Mehta, 1981).

4.3.3. Water absorption

Water absorption was determined as:

Water absorptionðkÞ = ðsaturated weight − oven dry weightÞ

Fig. 4. Compressive strength of OPC mortars containing “150 °C heated” bentonite after
7 and 28 days. ðoven dry weightÞ × 100k
224 J. Mirza et al. / Applied Clay Science 45 (2009) 220–226

Table 4 Table 6
Effect of sulphate solutions on compressive strength of OPC mortars incorporating Compressive strength of concrete containing “as is” bentonites as a % of control mixture.
bentonite.
Cement (%) Bentonite (%) Compressive strength (% of control)
Cement (%) Bentonite (%) Compressive strength Compressive strength loss 7 day 14 day 28 day 56 day
(MPa) (%)
100 0 100 100 100 100
Water 2% MgSO4 5% Na2SO4 2% MgSO4 5% Na2SO4 80 20 55 61 69 74
cured cured cured solution solution 70 30 43 46 50 60
100 0 27.36 15.70 15.96 43 42
75 25 29.27 26.17 25.91 11 11

Table 5 4.4.2. Compressive strength

Water absorption of OPC mortars incorporating bentonite.

Cement (%) Bentonite (%) Water absorption (%)
28 day
100 0 10
75 25 9 7
– After 28 days, water absorption was almost the same for OPC
mortar as well as that containing 25% bentonite as a replacement of
OPC (Table 5).
– After 56 days, water absorption was slightly lower for the mortar
containing 25% bentonite than for the control mixture. This shows
that the water absorption decreased with the length of the curing
period; thus decreasing the permeability which can considerably
improve their durability characteristics. This decrease was due to
the fact that the chemical reactions between the natural pozzolans
and CH of hydrated cement paste (hcp) can fill the micropores in
the cement matrix and can help improve the durability of mixtures
significantly by changing the framework of the matrix (Shannag,
2000; Sabir et al., 2001; Pan et al., 2003).
4.4. Tests on concrete
4.4.1. Effect of bentonite on workability
The slump values, a measure of the mixture workability, decreased
as the OPC substitution by bentonite increased. This reduction in
slump may be due to the relatively high fineness and low density of
the concrete mixtures. Therefore, for the same W/B, concrete made
with cement containing bentonite is less workable than the control
concrete mixture. The use of superplasticizers is certainly warranted
to increase the workability.
4.4.2.1. “As is” bentonite.
56 day
9 – The compressive strength of the concrete containing “as is”
bentonite decreased as its substitution level in OPC increased,
after 7, 14, 28 and 56 days. A similar tendency was also observed in
the OPC mortars (Section 4.3.1.1). However, the compressive
strength increased as the curing period increased from 7 to
56 days at all bentonite substitution levels (Fig. 5, Table 6).
– The compressive strength of concrete cylinders containing 20%
bentonite was 74% (18.3 MPa) compared with the 100% (24.8 MPa)
value of the control mixture, after 56 day. These values were still
satisfactory and could perhaps be increased as described in the
literature (Mehta, 1981; Neville, 1981; Mehta and Monteiro, 1993).
These literature studies showed that the strength gain for
pozzolan-containing concrete was generally slow at early ages. It
could, therefore, be concluded from this data that the Karak
bentonite could be used for up to 20% OPC replacement for
strength and economic point of view. However, before using it in
the field, it must be evaluated further for its durability properties
over a longer period of time.
– The compressive strength values decreased substantially (50%) as
the OPC substitution level by bentonite increased to 30%. It is
reported (Lea, 1971) that 30% substitution of pozzolana reduced
the strength by about 35–40% at 28 days, 20% at 90 days, 10% at
180 days and very little at one year. At smaller percentage
substitution, such as 10%, the strength after 28 days was almost
the same as that of control mixture.
4.4.2.2. “150 °C heated” bentonite.
– The compressive strength of concrete, containing “150 °C heated”
bentonite decreased as the substitution level increased, after 7, 14,
28 and 56 days. A similar tendency was also observed in the
concrete containing “as is” bentonite (Section 4.4.2.1). However, its
compressive strength increased as the curing period increased
from 7 to 56 days at all substitution levels of OPC by bentonite
(Fig. 6, Table 7).

Fig. 5. Compressive strength of OPC concrete containing “as is” bentonite after 7, 14, 28 Fig. 6. Compressive strength of OPC concrete containing “150 °C heated” bentonite after
and 56 days. 7, 14, 28 and 56 days.
 J. Mirza et al. / Applied Clay Science 45 (2009) 220–226 225

Table 7
Compressive strength of concrete containing “150 °C heated” bentonites as a % of
control mixture.

Cement (%) Bentonite (%) Compressive strength (% of control)

7 day 14 day 28 day 56 day
100 0 100 100 100 100
80 20 68 67 74 79
75 25 64 64 70 78
70 30 43 46 50 60
60 40 50 46 49 57
50 50 34 38 36 40

– The compressive strength of concrete containing 20% and 25%

bentonite by mass of cement, was 79% and 78%, respectively, of the
control mixture strengths after 56 days. These values could
perhaps be increased as described in the literature (Mehta, 1981;
Neville, 1981; Mehta and Monteiro, 1993), which showed that the
strength gain for the pozzolans is generally slow at early ages. Thus
the Karak bentonite could be used to replace up to 25% cement for
strength and economic considerations.
– The compressive strength values decreased substantially as the
bentonite substitution levels increased from 30% to 50% at all ages
of 7, 14, 28 and 56 days.
4.5. Modulus of rupture or flexural strength
The modulus of rupture decreased as the OPC substitution levels
was increased by “as is” and “150 °C heated” bentonite. However,
these values were similar for concrete beams containing 20% “as is”
and 25% “heated to 150 °C” bentonites (Table 8).
4.6. Load carrying capacity of reinforced beam
Fig. 7. Load deflection curve for reinforced cement concrete beams with and without
bentonite.
4.7. Masonry bond strength
The masonry bond strength decreased slightly as the proportion of
the OPC replacement by bentonite increased (Figs. 8 and 9, Table 10).
The difference in the cracking strength was almost the same for OPC
mortars containing 20% “as is” and 25% “heated to 150 °C” bentonites
(Fig. 8). At 40% replacement of OPC by bentonite, the cracking strength
dropped significantly to 85% of the control specimen. The crushing
strength (Fig. 9), showed a similar trend after the masonry was
weakened by the bond cracking. The ultimate failure was in the form
of complete crushing of the mortar. The brick prism strength data led
to the conclusion that 25% of the OPC could be replaced by bentonite
in masonry work without an appreciable loss in strength: this will
result in considerable cost savings.

– The control and bentonite containing concrete beams demon-

5. Economic feasibility
strated third-point loads of 5.4 and 3.8 tonnes at cracking of the
beams compared with design capacities of 4.1 and 4.0 tonnes,
The cost of 1 tonne of bentonite in Pakistan Rupees (Rs.) is 1100
respectively. This crack originated from central bottom portion at a
(~ $18.00/tonne), whereas the cement costs about Rs. 4500 per tonne
deflection of 3 mm. The crack width increased with the load
(~ $75.00/tonne). Incorporation of bentonite as partial replace-
increments. Flexural cracks were followed by web shear cracks.
ment of cement leads to considerable savings. It also fulfils the prin-
Finally the control and bentonite containing concrete beams failed
ciples of sustainable development. These savings can be considerably
at 10 and 8 tonnes, respectively (Fig. 7).
higher, when the concrete containing bentonite is used in hydraulic
– Load versus deflection curves for the two beams were plotted in
structures, such as dams, where hundred of thousands to more than a
Fig. 7 for the third point loading. The control and bentonite
million tonnes of cement are normally used, depending on their
concrete beams demonstrated yield of steel reinforcement at loads
length, width and height. About 11% of the total cost (includes con-
of 7.8 and 6.0 tonnes, respectively. The large deflection of the
struction costs which can vary with the infrastructure system) could
concrete beam containing bentonite also (Table 9) depicted the
be saved by replacing 25% of the cement by bentonite. As the cement
high ductility ratio, which is very useful property to dissipate
costs are normally about 30% of the total cost of the concrete in a dam
energy in case of earthquakes. With high ductility ratio the area
project, the net saving will be 3.3% (30% × 11% = 3.3%) of the total
under curve increases which provides capacity to dissipate energy
project cost. Similarly, the use of bentonite in primary school
during an earthquake, which could have serious consequences for
buildings in villages and towns will result in a net saving of 5% of
human lives.
the total building cost. This saving can be increased considerably by
replacing 40% of the cement by bentonite, because in normal brick

Table 8
Modulus of rupture of concrete incorporating bentonite.

Mixture (%) Modulus of rupture % control Table 9

(MPa) Ductility ratio of concrete beams.
Cement Bentonite
100 0 3.25 100 Beam type Ultimate load deflection Deflection at yield Ductility ratioa
80 20 “as is” 2.63 81 100% OPC (control) 37.00 4.87 7.61
75 25 “heated to 150 °C” 2.60 80 75% OPC + 25% bentonite 56.83 5.66 10.05
60 40 “heated to 150 °C” 2.44 75 a
Ratio of the deflection at ultimate load to the deflection at yield.
226 J. Mirza et al. / Applied Clay Science 45 (2009) 220–226
Fig. 8. Cracking strength of OPC concrete brick prisms containing bentonite as
percentage of control mixture beams with and without bentonite.
masonry only 20 to 30% of the ultimate strength of the masonry is
actually utilized.
6. Conclusions
1. The XRD patterns of “as is” and “heated” bentonites possessed both
crystalline and amorphous phases.
2. SAI of OPC mortars containing “150 °C heated” bentonite was
slightly higher than the mortars containing “as is” bentonite as well
as the control mixture after 7 and 28 days.
3. OPC mortars containing 25% “as is” and 30% “heated to 150 °C”
bentonites showed compressive strength values of 19.6 MPa and
20.9 MPa, respectively, after 28 days, demonstrating the effective-
ness of these mortars as a low cost construction material.
4. After 7 days, the strength development gain in OPC mortars in-
corporating bentonite was higher compare to 14 day strength,
which in turn, was higher than the 28 days strength development.
This suggested a decrease in the strength gain ratio as the bentonite
substitution ratio increased in the OPC mortar. This tendency
showed a lower strength development rate as the curing period
increased.
5. The compressive strength of concrete containing “as is” and “150 °C
heated” bentonites decreased as their substitution level in the
cement increased, after 7, 14, 28 and 56 days. However, the OPC
concrete containing 20% “as is” and 25% “heated to 150 °C” bentonites,
showed similar compressive strength values after 28 days. These
could, therefore, be used as low-cost construction materials.
6. Tests on mortar cubes soaked in 2% MgSO4 and 5% Na2SO4 solutions
demonstrated a consistent improvement in sulphate attack
resistance as the bentonite content in them was increased.
7. The modulus of rupture of concrete beams containing bentonite
was lower than the control concrete beams. This decreased further
as the percentage substitution of bentonite is increased, but the
ductility ratio of the bentonite concrete beams was larger than that
Fig. 9. Crushing strength of OPC concrete brick prisms containing bentonite as
percentage of control mixture.
Table 10
Cracking and crushing strengths of bentonite in brick prisms.
OPC (%) Bentonite (%) Cracking strength % control Crushing strength % control
(MPa) (MPa)
100 0 2.19 100 4.76 100
80 20 “as is” 2.17 99 4.61 97
75 25 “heated 2.15 98 4.58 96
to 150 °C”
60 40 “heated 1.86 85 4.17 88
to 150 °C”
of the control beams. This could guarantee good energy dissipation
during earthquakes.
8. The bond strength of OPC mortars in brick masonry was similar to
that of the mortars containing 20% “as is” and 25% “heated to
150 °C” bentonite. This further suggested that these could be used
as low-cost construction materials.
Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the
NWFP University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar. Gratitude
is also extended to Industrial Estate Peshawar Laboratory and PCSIR
Laboratory, Peshawar, for providing services for specimen grinding,
heat treatment and chemical analyses.
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