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Effects of Shrinkage Reducing Admixture and Polypropylene Fiber Utilization

on Some Fresh State, Mechanical and Durability Properties of Khorasan
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 International Journal of Architectural Heritage
Conservation, Analysis, and Restoration

ISSN: (Print) (Online) Journal homepage: https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/uarc20

Effects of Shrinkage Reducing Admixture and

Polypropylene Fiber Utilization on Some Fresh
State, Mechanical and Durability Properties of
Khorasan Mortar

Tuğçe İsafça-Kaya, Kemal Karakuzu, Süleyman Özen, Ali Mardani & Adem
Doğangün

To cite this article: Tuğçe İsafça-Kaya, Kemal Karakuzu, Süleyman Özen, Ali Mardani & Adem
Doğangün (2022): Effects of Shrinkage Reducing Admixture and Polypropylene Fiber Utilization on
Some Fresh State, Mechanical and Durability Properties of Khorasan Mortar, International Journal
of Architectural Heritage, DOI: 10.1080/15583058.2022.2100295

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE
https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2022.2100295

Effects of Shrinkage Reducing Admixture and Polypropylene Fiber Utilization on

Some Fresh State, Mechanical and Durability Properties of Khorasan Mortar
a a b a a
Tuğçe İsafça-Kaya , Kemal Karakuzu , Süleyman Özen , Ali Mardani , and Adem Doğangün
a
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey; bDepartment of Civil Engineering, Faculty of
Engineering and Natural Science, Bursa Technical University, Bursa, Turkey

ABSTRACT ARTICLE HISTORY

This study aimed to improve the mechanical and durability properties of Khorasan mortar, a type of Received 25 April 2022
lime-based mortar, using polypropylene shrinkage reducing admixture (SRA) and fiber. In addition Accepted 6 July 2022
to the control mixture without fiber and chemical admixture, three series of mixtures were KEYWORDS
prepared. The first series contains 0.4–0.6-0.8% polypropylene fiber by total volume; the second Durability performance;
series contains SRA at the 0.05–0.1-0.15% by binder weight; the third series consists of mixtures Khorasan mortar; lime-based
containing both fiber and the SRA. Within the scope of the study, some fresh state, mechanical and mortar; mechanical
durability properties were determined. The results show that utilization of fiber and SRA reduced properties; polypropylene
the length change depending on drying-shrinkage and mass loss due to abrasion compared to the fiber; shrinkage reducing
control mixture. In addition, the 90-day flexural and compressive strength values for all mixtures admixture
were lower than the 28-day results. It was determined that the decrease in strength values is less
than the control mixture with the utilization of fiber and SRA because of the degradation in drying-
shrinkage.

1. Introduction Depending on these effects, the strength and durability

Lime-based mortars were the most preferred mortar
type in buildings before Portland cement became wide­
spread in the 20th century (Pozo-Antonio 2015). In this
context, it was reported that lime-based mortars and
plasters were frequently used during the construction
of historic buildings in many parts of the world.
Various deteriorations may occur in lime-based
materials over time, depending on environmental con­
ditions, dynamic loads, fires, the use of the building and
the material used. These harmful effects may cause
cracking or complete disintegration of the mortar struc­
ture and accordingly deterioration of the stability of the
structure. Furthermore, it might reduce the mortar’s
adhesion to the aggregate and brick, losing its bonding
property. For example, evaporation of water in the
matrix depending on the changing of ambient tempera­
ture and humidity leads to occur shrinkage-based crack
formation. Cracks occurring in the hardened state may
cause deterioration of the dimensional stability of the
mortar. Again, the relative humidity of the environment
can affect the carbonation of calcium hydroxide
(Ca(OH)2) and the stability of calcium silica hydrate
(C-S-H) for hydraulic binders (Lanas, Sirera, and
Alvarez 2005; Sánchez et al. 1997; Zappia et al. 1998).
of the mortar used may be adversely affected. Design and
poor workmanship can also make these deteriorations
more severe (Ingham 2009). Fires, triggered for various
reasons, also affect historic buildings in many countries.
As a result of these fires, significant damages occur to the
buildings. Besides, important financial losses arise due to
the restoration of valuable cultural heritage buildings
(Bakas, Georgiadis-Filikas, and Kontoleon 2020; Watts
and Kaplan, 2001).
The material to be used in restoration works should
be chemically, physically and mechanically compatible
with the original material of the building. In the 20th
century, when the superiority of Portland cement was
understood, these mortars were often preferred for
repair purposes. However, Portland cement can cause
various damages due to its high strength, low water
vapor permeability and salt formation due to its chemi­
cal structure. Therefore, the problem of incompatibility
with the old material may arise in repairs using Portland
cement. For this reason, the use of lime-based materials
as repair mortar has become widespread in recent years
(Ersen, Gürdal, and Güleç et al. 2016; Izaguirre, Lanas,
and Alvarez 2011; Lanas and Alvarez-Galindo 2003;
Malinowski 1981; Pusat 2002).

CONTACT Ali Mardani ali.mardani16@gmail.com; alimardani@uludag.edu.tr Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bursa Uludag
University, Nilüfer, Bursa 16059, Turkey
© 2022 Taylor & Francis
2 T. İSAFÇA-KAYA ET AL.
Khorasan mortar, frequently encountered in
Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman period buildings in
Turkey, is also a lime-based mortar. This mortar was
prepared using lime as a binder, river sand, and crushed
brick/brick powder as aggregate in different mixing
ratios. Due to its hydraulic properties, it was frequently
used in structures exposed to water (Arıoglu and Acun
2006; Böke, Akkurt, and İpekoğlu 2004; İsafça et al.
2021). For this reason, Khorasan mortar is preferred in
today’s restorations, whether it is compatible with the
original material of the building.
Although lime-based mortars are the most suitable
for restoration works, they have negative properties such
as long setting time and slow strength gain (Silva et al.
2019). For this reason, studies aiming to improve these
weaknesses of lime-based mortars with chemical admix­
ture are seen in the literature (Izaguirre, Lanas, and
Alvarez 2009; Seabra et al. 2009). The use of water-
reducing admixture had a positive effect on the carbona­
tion process and compressive strength, as well as
improving the workability of the mortar mixtures and
shortening the setting time (Fernández et al. 2013;
Karakuzu et al. 2021; Pérez-Nicolás et al. 2016). Lime-
based mortars have a higher capillary water absorption
capacity than cementitious systems. However, it is not
possible to isolate historic buildings against these effects.
The influence of type, length and replacement ratio of
fiber on the physical and mechanical characteristics of
lime-based mortars was determined in the literature
(Altun, Özen, and Mardani-Aghabaglou 2018; İsafça
et al. 2021; Rosato et al. 2017; Santarelli et al. 2014). It
was stated that long fibers are more effective than short
fibers in improving the tensile strength of mortars
(Erdoğdu et al. 2017). Although studies show that the
use of fiber positively affects the mechanical properties
of mortars (Erdoğdu et al. 2017; Iucolano, Liguori, and
Colella 2013), some studies show that raising the fiber
utilization ratio has a negative impact on the mechanical
properties of mortars by causing deterioration of the
mortar matrix’s homogeneity and increasing permeabil­
ity (Izaguirre, Lanas, and Alvarez 2011). Additionally,
research suggests that fiber utilization improves mortar
resistance to impacts such as drying-shrinkage and
freeze-thaw (Di Bella et al. 2014; Izaguirre, Lanas, and
Alvarez 2011).
The utilization of fiber and SRA are the two most
effective approaches to prevent or reduce the drying-
shrinkage-based length change of cementitious systems
(Grzybowski and Shah 1990; He et al. 2006; Mardani-
Aghabaglou and İlhan 2018; Mardani-Aghabaglou, Ilhan,
and Ozen 2019). The same statements were pronounced
for the fiber-bearing aerial lime-based mortars in the
literature survey (Izaguirre, Lanas, and Alvarez 2011).
Kaya et al. (2022a) investigated the water absorption
properties of Khorasan mortar containing polypropylene
(PP) fiber and shrinkage reducing admixture. The use of
PP fiber in the mixtures increased the water absorption
ratio as it created voids, while the use of SRA decreased
the water absorption ratio. In the hybrid use of SRA and
fiber, the effect of fiber was more dominant. In another
study, Kaya et al. (2022b) investigated the changes in
ultrasonic pulse velocity and dynamic modulus of elasti­
city under the effect of high temperature of Khorasan
mortar mixtures containing polypropylene fiber. It was
determined that these properties of the specimens
exposed to 300, 600 and 900°C are adversely affected.
As a result of the literature research, it was seen that
there are studies on improving the mechanical and dur­
ability properties of hydraulic lime-based mortars with the
use of fiber and chemical admixtures. However, few stu­
dies were found to enhance the strength and durability
properties of Khorasan mortar using SRA. Also, it was
determined that a limited number of studies examine the
resistance of lime-based mortars against elevated tempera­
tures. In this study, the effects of SRA and polypropylene
fiber utilization in the different ratios on the strength and
durability properties of Khorasan mortar were investi­
gated. For this purpose, in addition to the control mixture,
15 different Khorasan mortar mixtures were prepared by
partially adding polypropylene fiber and SRA to the mix­
ture. Fresh properties, length changes due to drying-
shrinkage, flexural, compressive strength and abrasion
performances, elevated temperature resistance and micro­
structure properties of mixtures were investigated.
2. Materials and methods
2.1. Materials
2.1.1. Hydraulic lime and brick powder
Within the scope of the study, NHL 3.5 type natural
hydraulic lime, which is supplied by Tekno
Construction Chemicals, was used, conforming to EN
459–1. According to EN 459–2, the 28-day flexural and
compressive strengths of lime were determined as 2.22
and 4.89 MPa, respectively. The brick powder obtained
by grinding was sieved through a 90 µm sieve and used
as aggregate. In addition, the pozzolanic activity of the
brick powder was controlled according to the ASTM
C618. Physical, chemical and mechanical properties of
hydraulic lime and brick powder are given in Table 1.
2.1.2. Aggregate
In this study, crushed brick and river sand with
a maximum grain size of 4 mm were used as aggregates.
Crushed brick aggregate was obtained by crushing of
 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE 3

Table 1. Physical, chemical and mechanical properties of hydraulic lime and brick powder.
Item (%) Lime Brick powder Physical properties Lime Brick powder
SiO2 8.47 47.72 Specific gravity 2.79 2.95
Al2O3 3.46 14.60 Blaine specific surface (cm2/g) 5850 4150
Fe2O3 0.39 11.02 Residual of 0.090 mm sieve (%) 4.6 13.4
CaO 53.84 8.98 Residual of 0.045 mm sieve (%) 24.2 34.6
MgO 0.62 6.51 Mechanical properties Lime Brick powder
K2O 0.27 1.60
Na2O 0.16 2.39 Bending strength (MPa) 28-day 2.22 -
LOI 30.41 0.92 Compressive strength (MPa) 28-day 4.89 -
Strength activity index (%) 28-day - 82.09
90-day - 86.37

brick then sieving through a 4 mm. The aggregates
gradation curves were determined according to EN
933–1 and shown in Figure 1. Specific gravity values
and water absorption ratios of crushed brick and river
sand aggregate were determined as 2.18 and 2.60 and
15.11% and 1.31% by EN 1097–6, respectively.
2.1.3. Fiber
Natural fibers, an organic material, are vulnerable to
biological attacks. It is affected by humidity conditions
and is susceptible to alkali attack, which can break down
lignin and other components. Thus, long-term exposure
of natural fibers in alkaline environment causes
a decrease in fiber strength (Ramakrishna and
Sundararajan 2005). In addition, it is not possible to
distribute natural fibers homogeneously in mixtures
due to their sticking to each other and the incompat­
ibility between matrix and fiber (Kundu et al. 2012).
However, the presence of polarized hydroxyl groups
derived from lignin-hemicellulose compound in natural
fibers weakens the fiber’s resistance to water absorption,
cannot maintain the dimensional stability of the matrix
against swelling and shrinkage, and adversely affects its
resistance to high temperature (Camargo et al. 2020;
Kalia, Kaith, and Kaur 2009; Toniolo and Boccaccini
2017). In this context, polypropylene fibers were pre­
ferred instead of natural fibers within the scope of this
study.
Polypropylene fiber, supplied by Polyfibers, of 3 mm
length was used in the mixtures. The physical and
mechanical properties of the fiber are given in Table 2.
2.1.4. Water-reducing admixture
In preparing fibrous mixtures, polycarboxylate-based
high-range water-reducing (HRWR) admixture, sup­
plied by Polisan Construction Chemicals, was used to
achieve target flow value. Properties of the admixture
given by the manufacturer are shown in Table 3.
2.1.5. Shrinkage reducing admixture
The density and pH values of glycol ether-based shrink­
age reducing admixture used to minimize the adverse
effects caused by the drying-shrinkage effect on the
mortar specimens are 0.934 g/cm3 and 6.77, respectively.
This admixture was supplied by Polisan Construction
Chemicals.

Figure 1. Sieve analysis of aggregates used in mortar mixtures.

4 T. İSAFÇA-KAYA ET AL.

Table 2. Physical and mechanical properties of polypropylene examine the pozzolanic property of brick powder and
fiber. its effect on the hydraulic properties of the mortar.
Composition 100% raw polypropylene Among these mixtures, the control mixture without
Section/Length/ Thickness Round /3 ± 1 mm/ 30–32 mm
Density 0.91 g/cm3 brick powder was named NHL, and the mixture con­
Surface area 140 m2/kg taining brick powder was named BP.
Tensile strength 513–562MPa
Elastic modulus 4048–5674MPa Izaguirre, Lanas, and Alvarez (2011) suggested a flow
Melting temperature 160°C value in the range of 150–170 mm in lime-based mortar
Elongation 20–25%
mixtures to prevent excessive water use and obtain sui­
table workability. Considering this recommendation,
Table 3. Water-reducing admixture properties. the target flow value was determined as 150 ± 10 mm.
Solid Chloride The water requirement for the target flow value was
content Density pH content Alkali ratio, determined with the mixture containing 0.15% SRA.
3
Type (%) (g/cm ) (25°C) (%) Na2O (%)
As a result of the flow test, the water/binder ratio for
Polycarboxylate- 32 1.060 2–5 ˂0.1 ˂10
based the control mixture was determined as 0.91. In addition,
it was determined that the mixtures containing SRA
showed the same flow behavior as the control mixture.
2.2. Preparation of the mixtures Fiber and SRA ratios were taken into account for the
designation of the mixtures. Accordingly, the control
In Khorasan mortar mixtures, 80% of the binder weight
mixture without fiber and SRA was designated C; the
was natural hydraulic lime and 20% was brick powder.
mixture containing 0.6% fiber was named F6; the mix­
The binder/aggregate ratio in the mixtures was kept
ture containing 0.10% SRA was designated SRA10; and
constant at 1/3. The aggregate combination consisted
the mixture containing 0.8% fiber 0.15% SRA was
of 30 wt. % of river sand and 70 wt. % of crushed
named F8SRA15. The material ratios used in the mix­
brick. Five series of Khorasan mortar mixtures were
tures are given in Table 4.
prepared. The first series mixture was a control mixture
that did not contain fiber and SRA in this context. In
the second series, three different mixtures were pro­
2.3. Test Procedure
duced using SRA with a ratio of 0.05%, 0.10% and
0.15% by weight of the binder. In the third series, five Flow values of mortar mixtures in all series were deter­
different mortar mixtures were prepared to contain fiber mined according to ASTM C1437. After each mixture
ratios between 0.4–1.2% by total mixture volume. was produced, unit weights and air contents in the fresh
However, as seen in Figure 2, segregation occurred in state were calculated according to EN 1015–6 and EN
the mixture containing 1.2% fiber. As a result, fiber 413–2, respectively.
ratios were chosen as 0.4%, 0.6% and 0.8% by total Mortar mixtures, prepared according to ASTM C109,
mixture volume. Nine different mixtures containing were cured by EN 1015–11. For this aim, the molded
fiber and SRA were prepared in the same proportions specimens were cured in the cabin having a relative
as the second and third series in the fourth series. In humidity of 95 ± 5% and temperature of 20 ± 2°C during
total, 16 different mixtures were prepared. In addition, the first two days from casting. Then, the demold speci­
two different mixtures were prepared (fifth series) to mens were cured under the same condition for the next

Figure 2. Flow test of a mixture containing 1.2% fiber by volume.

 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE 5

Table 4. Material ratios used in mortar mixtures.

Binder Aggregate
Series Mixture Lime (g) Brick powder (g) Crushed brick (g) River sand (g) Water (g) Fiber (%) * SRA (%) ** HRWR (%) **
1 C 280 70 735 315 320 - - -
2 SRA5 280 70 735 315 320 - 0.05 -
SRA10 280 70 735 315 320 - 0.10 -
SRA15 280 70 735 315 320 - 0.15 -
3 F4 280 70 735 315 320 0.4 - 0.28
F6 280 70 735 315 320 0.6 - 0.40
F8 280 70 735 315 320 0.8 - 0.50
4 F4SRA5 280 70 735 315 320 0.4 0.05 0.28
F4SRA10 280 70 735 315 320 0.4 0.10 0.40
F4SRA15 280 70 735 315 320 0.4 0.15 0.50
F6SRA5 280 70 735 315 320 0.6 0.05 0.28
F6SRA10 280 70 735 315 320 0.6 0.10 0.40
F6SRA15 280 70 735 315 320 0.6 0.15 0.50
F8SRA5 280 70 735 315 320 0.8 0.05 0.28
F8SRA10 280 70 735 315 320 0.8 0.10 0.40
F8SRA15 280 70 735 315 320 0.8 0.15 0.50
5 NHL 350 - - 1050 320 - - -
BP 280 70 - 1050 320 - - -
*By volume, **By weight

five days. Afterward, the specimens were cured in the
room having a relative humidity of 65 ± 5% and tem­
perature of 20 ± 2°C until the testing day.
40x40x160 mm prismatic specimens were prepared to
determine the 7, 28 and 90 days flexural and compres­
sive strengths of Khorasan mortar mixtures according to
EN 196–1. Length changes of mortar specimens due to
drying-shrinkage over 28 days for 25x25x285 mm speci­
mens were measured according to ASTM C596 and
ASTM C157. The abrasion test of the 90-day mortar
specimens was carried out on cube specimens of
71 mm corresponding to EN 1338 using the bohme
abrasion method.
The elevated temperature tests were carried out on
cube specimens of 90 days in size of 50 mm. The speci­
mens were kept in an oven at 105°C until they reached
a constant mass before being exposed to elevated tem­
peratures. After the specimens were exposed to peak
temperature at 300°C and 600°C with a heating rate of
5°C/min in the ash furnace, the temperature was con­
stant for 3 hours. After that, the furnace was stopped and
specimens were left naturally cooling down in the fur­
nace until they reached ambient temperature (Durgun
et al. 2022) (Figure 3). The mass losses and compressive
strength values of the specimens exposed to elevated
temperatures were determined.
Microstructure, morphology and chemical composi­
tion of the fracture surfaces of the hardened specimens
were investigated by scanning electron microscope
(SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). SEM analysis was
carried out at 20 kV acceleration voltage with the device
with a tolerance range of 7X — 1000000X. XRD analysis
of hardened specimen was performed using Cu·Kα1
radiation under fixed conditions. The X-ray patterns
were collected within a scanning range of 2Θ. In the
TG analysis, the temperature-related weight loss of the
samples was measured up to 1000°C in a nitrogen envir­
onment and the temperature rise regime was 10°C/min.
3. Results and discussion
3.1. Fresh state properties
The water-reducing admixture requirement for the
150 ± 10 mm target flow value of the mortar mixtures
is given in Table 5. The target flow value in the control
mixture was achieved with the kneading water, and
a water-reducing admixture was not required. It was
observed that the water-reducing admixture require­
ment to achieve the target flow value increased with
the fiber utilization to the mixture and the rise of
a utilization ratio. It was determined that the flow values
of the fibrous mixtures containing SRA are very close to
the mixtures containing the same amount of fiber but
not containing SRA when the water-reducing admixture
is used at the same ratio. In addition, in the mixtures
containing only SRA, the target flow value was achieved
with the mixing water as in the control mixture.
The mortar mixtures’ fresh state unit weights and
air contents are tabulated in Table 6. It was deter­
mined that the fresh unit weight of the F4, F6, F8
mixtures decreased by 5–7% and the air content raised
by 40–45% compared to the control mixture. It was
observed that the addition of SRA did not significantly
affect the fresh state unit weight and air content of the
mixtures, regardless of the fiber and admixture utiliza­
tion ratio.
6 T. İSAFÇA-KAYA ET AL.

Figure 3. A) Elevated temperature-time relationship (Durgun et al. 2022), b) Specimens placed in the ash furnace for the elevated
temperature test.

Table 5. Flow values of mortar mixtures.

Mixture HRWR (%) * Flow value (mm) (Barbero-Barrera and Medina 2018; Izaguirre, Lanas,
C 0 156 and Alvarez 2011; Puertas et al. 2003). In addition, it
F4 0.28 160
F6 0.40 159
was suggested that excessive fiber utilization negatively
F8 0.50 140 affects the continuity of the mortar matrix. Accordingly,
SRA5 0 158 the air content of the mortar mixtures containing poly­
SRA10 0 156
SRA15 0 157 propylene fiber may be high, and the density may be low
F4SRA5 0.28 160 (Izaguirre, Lanas, and Alvarez 2011).
F4SRA10 0.28 157
F4SRA15 0.28 158 As presented in Table 5, the water-reducing admix­
F6SRA5 0.40 140 tures requirement increased due to the negative
F6SRA10 0.40 145
F6SRA15 0.40 146 impact of polypropylene fiber utilization on workabil­
F8SRA5 0.50 150 ity. It is also seen in Figure 4 that the fibers cause
F8SRA10 0.50 153
F8SRA15 0.50 152 agglomeration in the mixture. Thus, it is thought that
*by weight homogeneous mixing of the mortar becomes difficult.
The air content increases, and the unit weight
decreases because of the formation of voids in the
Table 6. Fresh state unit weights and air contents of mortar mixture.
mixtures.
Mixture Unit weight (kg/m3) Air content (%)
C 2201.6 4.0
F4 2093.3 5.8 3.2. Hardened state properties
F6 2058.9 5.6
F8 2047.5 5.6 3.2.1. Length changes due to drying-shrinkage
SRA5 2202.7 4.4 The drying-shrinkage-based length change values of
SRA10 2182.7 4.0
SRA15 2105.6 4.0 mixtures for 28 days are given in Figure 5. As expected,
F4 SRA5 2093.6 7.0 shrinkage values of all mixtures increased over time. It
F4 SRA10 2071.2 6.8
F4 SRA15 2061.9 5.8 was understood that the length change rate of the speci­
F6 SRA5 1946.7 7.2 mens was much more severe at the beginning but
F6 SRA10 1940.9 7.8
F6 SRA15 2101.3 6.3
decreased over time. Regardless of the fiber and SRA
F8 SRA5 1946.7 6.2 utilization ratios, the drying-shrinkage values of the
F8 SRA10 1874.7 5.6 mixtures containing fiber and/or SRA were lower than
F8 SRA15 2101.3 5.8
the control mixture. It was observed that mortar mix­
tures containing only fiber and only SRA showed similar
When the studies in the literature were examined, it drying-shrinkage behavior.
was reported that the compaction of the mixture When only fiber-containing mixtures were examined
becomes difficult with the adding polypropylene fibers (Figure 5a), the F4 showed the best drying-shrinkage
to the mortars. Thus, the workability is reduced performance. The shrinkage values of the F4 decreased

Figure 4. Fiber agglomeration observed in fibrous mortar
mixtures.
by about 35% compared to the control mixture. The
shrinkage of the F6 and F8 specimens was approximately
34% and 24% less than the control specimen, respectively.
Since the modulus of elasticity of polypropylene
fibers is higher than the modulus of elasticity of the
matrix phase at early ages, the fibers delay the formation
of the cracks and reduce the cracking tendency of the
matrix (Toledo Filho and Sanjuan 1999). In addition, the
hydrated products resulting from hydration stick on the
fibers and the capillary voids in the paste phase are
compressed and blocked. Thus, evaporation of water
between layers is prevented. Since gel water is not lost
and the water between layers does not move, the plastic
shrinkage of the matrix is reduced and matrix cracks are
prevented (Gao et al. 2018). In this context, it was seen
that the polypropylene fibers utilization partially pre­
vents the drying-shrinkage cracks. Thus, it reduces the
length changes of the specimens resulting from shrink­
age (Figure 5a).
Aly, Sanjayan, and Collins (2008) determined that the
increase in the polypropylene fiber ratio affects the
micropore structure associated with drying-shrinkage
and accelerates the evaporation of the water by increasing
the permeability of the specimen. Depending on these
effects, they stated that the drying-shrinkage performance
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE 7
of the mixtures was adversely affected. It was seen in
Table 6 that the utilization of fiber raised the air content
of the mixtures. The rise of air content causes an increase
in permeability. For this reason, it was thought that the
rise in shrinkage that occurs with the augmentation of
fiber utilization ratio is because the amount of continu­
ous voids formed as a result of the non-homogeneous
distribution of the fibers accelerates evaporation of the
water. For this reason, the best performance in terms of
drying-shrinkage behavior in fibrous mixtures was
obtained with the F4 mixture. Drying-shrinkage perfor­
mance of the mixtures decreased with increasing fiber
utilization ratio to 0.6% and 0.8%. It was thought that the
increase in shrinkage that occurs with the rise of fiber
utilization ratio is because the amount of continuous
voids formed as a result of the non-homogeneous dis­
tribution of the fibers accelerates drying.
Among the mortar mixtures containing only SRA,
SRA5 specimens showed the best drying-shrinkage perfor­
mance. Compared to the control mixture, the length
change value of the mixture was approximately 35% less.
Due to their low viscosity, SRA absorbs the water-air inter­
face and reduces the surface tension of the mixing water
(Nmai et al. 1998; Zhan and He 2019). For this reason, it
prevents the evaporation of the water in the gaps. In addi­
tion, SRA cause swelling by increasing the crystallization
pressure in the solution in some cases (Sant et al. 2011;
Zhan and He 2019). Thus, it was thought that the shrinkage
of the specimens containing SRA was reduced.
Contrary to expectations, an increase in the drying-
shrinkage values of the mixtures was observed with the
rise in the SRA utilization ratio (Figure 5b). This change
may be due to the effect of the pore size distribution with
the augmentation of the SRA dosage in the mixture. It
was put forward by Collins and Sanjayan (2000) that the
shrinkage amount of the mixture with a small void
density is higher. In this context, it was thought that
the drying-shrinkage performance is negatively affected
due to the increase of micro-voids in the mixtures using
SRA beyond a specific dosage.
It was observed that regardless of utilization ratio, the
combined use of polypropylene fiber and SRA resulted
in a reduction in drying-shrinkage values compared to
the control mixture (Figure 5c). The shrinkage amount
increased with the addition of SRA to the F4 mixture.
According to observation for the shrinkage of the F6
mixture, there was no significant effect of 0.10% SRA
dosage. However, 0.05 and 0.15% SRA dosage increased
the shrinkage. It was observed that the drying-shrinkage
increased with the addition of 0.15% SRA to the F8
mixture, while the shrinkage decreased at other dosages.
As a result, it was understood that there is no significant
8 T. İSAFÇA-KAYA ET AL.
Figure 5. Drying-shrinkage length changes of specimens containing (a) fiber, (b) SRA, (c) both fiber and SRA and (d) 28-day relative
shrinkage values.
change in the drying-shrinkage behavior of the mixtures
in which fiber and SRA were used together compared to
the mixtures containing fiber.
3.2.2. Flexural and compressive strength
Flexural and compressive strengths of the mortar speci­
mens at 7, 28 and 90 days are shown in Figures 6–9. It
was observed that the flexural and compressive strengths
of the mixtures increased in the first 28 days, regardless
of the fiber and SRA utilization ratio. However, there
was a decrease in the strength of the 90-day specimens
compared to the 28-day specimens. As explained before,
the air cure condition was applied to the specimens with
a temperature of 20 ± 2°C and relative humidity of
65 ± 5% according to EN 1015–11 until the
experiment day. The moisture content of the specimens
decreases with the evaporation of the free water over
time in air-cured specimens. The reduction in the 90-
day strength values is thought to be due to the formation
of microcracks due to the setting of the specimens.
 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE 9

In addition, Grilo et al. (2014) suggest that there is

a loss of strength in hydraulic lime mortars containing
metakaolin due to the formation of unstable
C-A-H products. In this study, crushed brick and brick
powder were used, similar to the chemical content of
pozzolans. Accordingly, it is assumed that similar beha­
vior is observed. Therefore, it is thought that unstable
C-A-H products and shrinkage cracks cause a decrease
in compressive strength by suppressing the strength
development that occurs due to hydraulic reaction over
time. Similar results were also obtained by Gameiro et al.
(2012).
At all ages, the flexural and compressive strengths of
the specimens were decreased with the fiber utilization
in the mortar mixtures. As can be seen from Figure 6,
the reductions in flexural and compressive strengths are
in the range of 0–9% and 6–12% for F4, 1–12% and 7–
22% for F6, 3–17% and 10–23% for F8, compared to the
control mixture. The fiber utilization did not signifi­
cantly affect the 90-day strengths compared to other
ages, and the compressive strength values of the C, F4,
F6 and F8 specimens were close to each other.
It was thought that the decrease in flexural and com­
pressive strengths of fibrous mixtures is due to the
agglomeration of the fiber in the mixture, making it
difficult to compress the mixture and form voids accord­
ingly. In addition, as seen in Table 6, it was determined
that the air content of the mixtures containing polypro­
pylene fiber was higher than the control mixture. In
addition, as can be seen from the cracks formed in the
specimens, it is thought that the matrix and the fibers do Figure 6. The 7, 28 and 90-day strengths of mortar specimens
not work together during loading. In this context, this containing fiber: (a) Flexural strengths (b) Compressive strengths
negative effect is more obvious with the increase of fiber (error bars display 5% percentage errors).
content in the mixture.
As shown in Figure 6, the results of flexural and
compressive strengths are compatible with each other. As shown in Figure 8, the flexural and compressive
In addition, the flexural and compressive strengths of strengths increased in the mortar mixtures containing
the 90-day specimens were lower than the 28-day speci­ SRA at 28 days compared to the 7-day strengths. This
mens. As mentioned before, polypropylene fibers could trend is similar to fibrous mixtures. However, there was
not prevent this adverse effect caused by shrinkage a decrease in the 90-day strengths. Regardless of the
cracks to a large extent. However, the fibers decreased curing time, the increase in utilization ratio of SRA
the rate of reduction in 90-day strengths. adversely affected the strength properties. The reduction
SEM images of the F8 specimen can be seen in ratios in flexural and compressive strengths compared to
Figure 7. The fact that the fiber’s surface is smooth or the control mixture were approximately 11–26% and
that the aggregate particles are less on the fiber surfaces 12–22% for SRA5, 13–22% and 7–20% for SRA10, 2–
in these images indicates that the adhesion of the fibers 16% and 6–10% for SRA15. In addition, as mentioned in
with the matrix is weak. The fibers are concentrated and detail above, reductions in flexural and compressive
agglomerated in certain regions, and there are gaps and strengths of 40–44% and 38–46% were recorded on
incompatibility in the matrix due to the fiber. It is specimens after 90 days compared to the results at the
thought that the strength of polypropylene fiber speci­ age of 28 days. Some researchers stated that SRA utiliza­
mens decreases because of all these situations. Studies tion negatively affects the mechanical properties of con­
with similar results exist in the literature (Benchiheub crete (Gao et al. 2018; Güneyisi et al. 2014; Maltese et al.
et al. 2018; Izaguirre, Lanas, and Alvarez 2011). 2005; Weiss, Borischevsky, and Shah 1999; Yoo et al.
10 T. İSAFÇA-KAYA ET AL.
Figure 7. SEM images show a) the smooth surface of the fiber, b) that the fiber-matrix adherence is not achieved, c) that the fiber is not
homogeneously distributed in the matrix d) the porous structure of the mortar.
2015). It is seen that these results are compatible with the
data obtained within the scope of the study. In the
literature, two factors affecting the compressive strength
of the mixtures because of SRA utilization are men­
tioned. First, it was reported that SRA molecules absorb
the water-solid interface, causing a decrease in the sur­
face energy of the cement particle and a delay in the
formation of hydration products (Wehbe and
Ghahremaninezhad 2017). Depending on the setting
delay in the mixtures, the strength gain development
and early age strength decrease are expected (Brooks,
Johari, and Mazloom 2000; Weiss, Borischevsky, and
Shah 1999). It was stated that the reduction in early
age strength is even more severe when water-reducing
admixtures are used together with SRA (Brooks, Johari,
and Mazloom 2000). The other factor is that the SRA
increases the content of the pores, which are above
0.1 µm and total porosity (Chunxiang, Fei, and Li
2006). Some researchers suggested that the SRA reduces
the surface tension of the water in the mixture, causing
a decrease in the interparticle attraction force of the
agglomerated binder phase. Thus, the internal structure
of the paste phase can change (Brooks, Johari, and
Mazloom 2000; Shah, Karaguller, and Sarigaphuti
1992). Therefore, these effects of the SRA caused to
decrease in the flexural and compressive strength of
the specimens.
The flexural and compressive strength results of mor­
tar mixtures containing both polypropylene fiber and
SRA are shown in Figure 9. Regardless of the fiber and
SRA utilization ratio, the strength of all mixtures
increased from 7 days to 28 days. The strengths of the
specimens in age 7-days were close to each other, except
for the F6SRA5 and F6SRA10 mixtures. Compared to
the control specimens, the strength of the F6SRA5 was
raised by 30%, while the F6SRA10 showed a 50%
decrease. A decrease was observed at the 28-day
strengths of specimens except for the F4SRA15 speci­
mens. As emphasized earlier, the strength reduction is
due to the increase in porosity depending on the
agglomeration of the polypropylene fiber in the mixture.
Different results were obtained in the literature by
using fiber and SRA together. Yoo et al. (2015) stated
that the SRA utilization leads to an increase in the por­
osity in the zone between the fiber and matrix. Thus, the
flexural strength of high-strength concrete mixtures was
negatively affected. In addition, as the SRA reduced the
shrinkage, the radial confinement pressure forming the
frictional bond between the fiber and the matrix
decreased. This situation significantly reduces the resis­
tance to fiber pull-out and adversely affects the strength.
In contrast to these findings, some researchers (Soliman
and Nehdi 2014; Wang et al. 2013) reported that the
compressive strength of mixtures containing fiber and

Figure 8. The strengths of mortars containing SRA at the age of
7, 28 and 90 days (a) Flexural strengths (b) Compressive
strengths (error bars display 5% percentage errors).
SRA was higher than that of the mentioned materials
separately. Because the SRA reduces the contact angles
between the fibers and the solution. This situation leads
to improve wettability by allowing the fiber to make
better contact with the matrix. This helps to keep com­
pact the zone between fibers and matrix. As indicated in
Figure 9, the flexural and compressive strengths obtained
in mixtures containing fiber and SRA differ from the
strength results shown in Figures 6 and 8. The addition
of fiber and SRA in some mixtures improved the strength
of specimens. However, voids formed in some mixtures
where fiber agglomeration was dominant had a negative
effect on strength. For these reasons, the strengths of the
specimens containing fiber and SRA were found to be
incompatible with the results of the specimens containing
fiber and SRA separately.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE 11
3.2.3. Abrasion resistance
The mass loss in the mortar specimens after 352 cycles is
shown in Figure 10. When the mass losses of the speci­
mens were analyzed, it was observed that the mass losses
of the F4 and F6 specimens were 26 and 14% lower than
the control specimen. However, the mass loss of the F8
specimen was found to be 1.9% more than the control
specimen. In this context, more than 0.6% of the fiber in
the mixtures showed a negative effect on the abrasion
resistance of Khorasan mortar specimens. In this
respect, it was seen that the effect of fiber content on
abrasion resistance is directly related to strength results.
Regardless of the SRA ratio, the mass losses of all
SRA-containing specimens were 6–26% lower than the
control specimen after 352 cycles. The mass loss of the
specimens was reduced as the SRA ratio was increased.
SRA15 specimen had the best abrasion resistance among
the SRA-containing mixtures. The mass loss of this
specimen was close to the mass loss of the F4 specimen,
which had the best abrasion resistance among the
fibrous specimens.
The mass losses of the specimens containing fiber and
SRA were lower than those of the control and the speci­
mens used fiber and SRA separately. In this context, it was
observed that both fiber and SRA usage increased the
resistance of Khorasan mortar against abrasion. This effect
became more pronounced with increasing fiber content.
According to the literature, there are insufficient stu­
dies related to the abrasion resistance of lime-based
mortars. Grdic et al. (2012) and Mardani-Aghabaglou
et al. (2021) stated that the water/binder ratio of con­
crete mixtures significantly affects the abrasion resis­
tance, and this resistance decreases with the increase of
the water/cement ratio. In addition, it was stated that the
utilization of polypropylene fiber in the cementitious
mixtures improved the abrasion resistance of the speci­
mens (Grdic et al. 2012; Latifi, Biricik, Mardani-
Aghabaglou et al. 2021) and can increase the abrasion
resistance by 22% (Mardani-Aghabaglou, Özen and
Altun et al., 2018).
3.2.4. Resistance to the elevated temperatures
Figure 11 shows the compressive strength values of the
90-day specimens for all series that were not exposed to
elevated temperatures and were exposed to 300 and
600°C. As can be seen from the results, it was deter­
mined that the compressive strength of the specimens
exposed to elevated temperatures decreased up to 50%.
After the control mixture specimens were exposed to
300°C, there was no change in compressive strength.
However, the compressive strength of the fibrous
12 T. İSAFÇA-KAYA ET AL.
Figure 9. The 7, 28 and 90-day strengths of mortar samples containing both fiber and SRA: (a) Flexural strengths (b) Compressive
strengths (error bars display 5% percentage errors).
Figure 10. Mass loss in the mortar specimens after 352 cycles.
mixtures (F4, F6 and F8) decreased up to 28%.
Compared to the specimens exposed to 600°C, the com­
pressive strength of C and F4 samples decreased by 30%
and 39%, while the strength of the F6 and F8 specimens
increased by 10%. As indicated in Table 6, the amount of
voids in fibrous mixtures is high. Because more voids
were formed with the melting of fibers exposed to high
temperatures (Figure 12). As a result, it was believed that
the reactions accelerated by facilitating the flow of steam
and liquid, and strengths rose due to the formation of
products that contribute to strength.
After the specimens containing SRA were exposed to
300°C, their compressive strength decreased by 15–22%
compared to the specimens under ambient conditions. On
the other hand, the strength losses were between 22–50%
after being exposed to 600°C. The compressive strength of
 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE 13

Figure 11. Compressive strength of the 90-day specimens exposed to elevated temperature a) Specimens containing only fiber and
only SRA b) Specimens containing both fiber and SRA (error bars display 5% percentage errors).

Figure 12. SEM image of F8 specimen exposed to 600°C.

the specimens containing both fiber and SRA was reduced highest strength was obtained with SRA15, while the lowest
by 6–38%, respectively, after exposure to 300°C, whereas was obtained with F6SRA15. After 600°C, the highest
strength losses ranged from 7–48% after exposure to strength was obtained with F8 and the lowest was obtained
600°C. Among the specimens exposed to 300°C, the with F4.
14 T. İSAFÇA-KAYA ET AL.
According to the studies (Horszczaruk et al. 2017;
Irshidat and Al-Saleh 2018; Pachta, Triantafyllaki, and
Stefanidou 2018), compressive strength is the best indica­
tor of the properties of mortars exposed to elevated tem­
peratures. According to Köksal, Gencel, and Kaya (2015),
severe reductions were determined in mechanical proper­
ties due to physico-chemical changes occurring in mix­
tures, especially at temperatures above 200°C. However,
Pachta, Triantafyllaki, and Stefanidou (2018) found that
traditional mortars consisting of hydrated lime and natural
pozzolan show outstanding durability performance at high
temperatures and can maintain stability up to 1000°C.
Internal pressure increases with the rising temperature
in specimens during exposure to elevated temperatures due
to the evaporation of chemically bound water and water in
capillary pores. This situation causes explosions, especially
in high-strength concrete with a very low void amount.
Hydrated lime has high porosity compared to cement. The
vapor pressure generated by elevated temperature
decreases thanks to these voids (Nežerka et al. 2014).
Because of the high porosity of Khorasan mortar, the
elevated temperature had almost no effect on the compres­
sive strength of these specimens compared to cement-
based mortars. Similar results were obtained by Pachta,
Triantafyllaki, and Stefanidou (2018) and Pachta,
Tsardaka, and Stefanidou (2021). Furthermore, the void
formed by melting the polypropylene fiber at 160°C helped
decrease the vapor pressure. As a result, while rising fiber
content lowered compressive strength related to agglom­
eration (Figure 6), it improved compressive strength in
specimens subjected to 600°C temperature, as shown in
Figure 11a.
In some studies, it was stated that the SRA contri­
butes to the reduction of shrinkage-based cracks around
the aggregate (Grassl, Wong, and Buenfeld 2010;
Figure 13. Mass loss of specimens exposed to elevated temperatures.
Nežerka et al. 2014). In this way, ITZ between the
aggregate and the lime improved and the higher resis­
tance to the elevated temperature was obtained.
However, no cracks were detected at the control and
SRA mixtures interface in this study. As a result, the
influence of the SRA on crack formation based by
shrinkage at the interface cannot be discussed.
Significant resistance to elevated temperature was not
observed in mixtures containing fiber and SRA. The
adverse effect of the SRA on fibrous mixtures, as detailed
in Section 3.2.2, reduced the mixtures’ resistance to
elevated temperatures.
Mass losses of specimens exposed to elevated tempera­
ture are shown in Figure 13. The mass losses of F6 and
SRA5 specimens exposed to 300°C and 600°C were
around 1.5–2%. Other mixtures had a mass loss of 1.5–
3% when exposed to 600°C, whereas it was about 0.5% at
300°C. Böke et al. (2006) stated that the mass loss of lime-
based mortars is caused by the dehydroxylation of pro­
ducts such as calcium silicate and calcium alumina
hydrate between 200–600°C, and the removal of CO2
above 600°C. In addition, severe mass losses occur
above 400°C in cementitious systems (Janotka and
Nürnbergerová 2005). Navrátilová and Rovnaníková
(2016) found that brick materials produced from clay
release physically bound water at 300°C, chemically
bound water at 400–450°C, and dehydroxylation of clay
minerals occur at 450–700°C. Because of this dehydrox­
ylation, an anhydrous compound with an amorphous
structure whose crystal lattice was disrupted was formed
(Pachta, Tsardaka, and Stefanidou 2021). For this reason,
it was thought that the increase in mass loss of the mortar
specimens at 600°C compared to 300°C is due to the
change in the structure of the brick powder and crushed
brick used in the mixtures. It was determined that the

utilization of fiber and SRA in the mixtures has no sig­
nificant effect on mass loss since brick materials showed
a dominant factor in terms of mass loss.
3.2.5. Microstructure, chemical composition and
thermal analysis
The XRD analysis results of 28-day C and SRA15 speci­
mens are shown in Figures 14. When the XRD graphics
were evaluated, it was seen that the highest peaks
belonged to calcite and quartz.
Carbonation occurs after the setting of the hydraulic
lime mortar due to carbon dioxide penetration into the
specimen (Torraca 2009). The calcite peak in the XRD
graph indicates the carbonation of the mortar. The main
source of silica-containing materials is brick, which is used
as pozzolan and aggregate, and hydraulic lime, used as
a binder.
As seen in Figure 14b, the calcite peak in the specimen
containing SRA was slightly lower than the control speci­
men. This result shows that the SRA negatively affects the
carbonation of the mortar. In this context, it was thought
that CO2 providing carbonation penetrates less into the
mortar. Thus, as seen in Figure 5b, the drying-shrinkage
of the mortar specimen containing SRA is reduced.
Figure 14. XRD analysis of 28-day specimens of C and SRA15 mixtures (a) C; (b) SRA15 (C: CaCO3 (Calcite); Q: SiO2 (Quartz), H: Fe2O3
(Hematite), A: NaAlSi3O8 (Albite)).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE 15
The XRD analysis results of hydraulic lime-based
mortar without brick powder (NHL) and mortar
containing brick powder (BP) are shown in
Figure 15. When the XRD graphics were examined,
calcite, quartz and hematite peaks were observed in
both specimens. The graph shows that the calcite
peaks of the BP specimen are lower than the NHL
specimen. The reason for this is that the BP mixture
contains less hydraulic lime than the NHL mixture,
and some of the hydraulic lime reacts with SiO2 in
the brick powder instead of CO2 due to the pozzo­
lanic reaction with the brick powder in the BP mix­
ture. Furthermore, the quartz density originating
from the brick powder was high in the BP specimen,
and quartz peaks originating from natural hydraulic
lime were also seen in the NHL specimen.
TGA analysis was carried out to examine the effect
of brick powder used as pozzolan on the hydraulic
properties of the mortar. TGA graph showing the
weight losses of the specimens is presented in
Figure 16. During this analysis, a temperature
increase of 10°C per minute was made in the range
of 0–1000°C. According to the literature, the mass
loss between 200 and 600°C is due to chemically
16 T. İSAFÇA-KAYA ET AL.

Figure 15. XRD patterns of specimens of (a) NHL and (b) BP mixtures (C: CaCO3 (Calcite); Q: SiO2 (Quartz), H: Fe2O3 (Hematite)).

bonded water loss in the structure of calcium silica
hydrate and calcium alumina hydrates. It was
observed that it happens as a result of CO2 dissolu­
tion in calcite at temperatures ranging from 600 to
900°C (Biscontin, Birelli, and Zendri 2002). Figure 16
shows a mass loss related to evaporable water for
both specimens between 0 and 100°C. There was no
significant mass loss between 200–600°C. However,
when the two specimens were compared, it was
determined that the mass loss in the specimen con­
taining the crushed brick was higher. In this speci­
men, the calcium silica hydrate structure could be

Figure 16. TGA graph of NHL and BP specimens.


formed more due to pozzolanic activity, and accord­
ingly, the mass loss in this range is higher (Pachta,
Tsardaka, and Stefanidou 2021).
It was determined that the CO2/H2O ratio of BP and
NHL specimens, whose mass losses were examined by
thermogravimetric analysis, was less than 10. This shows
that both mortars have hydraulic properties.
(Moropoulou, Bakolas, and Bisbikou 2000). In this
study, it was observed that this ratio decreased with the
addition of brick powder. This supports the view that
brick powder increases calcium silica hydrate formation
in the BP specimen due to the pozzolanic reaction.
4. Conclusion
The essential results of this study, which investigated the
effects of polypropylene fiber and shrinkage reducing
admixture on some of the fresh states, mechanical, and
durability properties of Khorasan mortar, are stated
below.
● The utilization of fiber and SRA reduced the length
change due to drying shrinkage. However, at the end
of the 28-day curing period, the increase in fiber and
SRA dosage negatively affected the length change.
● The flexural and compressive strengths of the speci­
mens were observed to be decreased compared to the
control mixture due to the increase in the fiber utili­
zation ratio in the mortar mixtures, the formation of
voids and the negative effect of fiber-matrix adhesion.
● Unstable C-A-H products and shrinkage cracks
caused a decrease in compressive strength of the
90-day specimens compared to the 28-day speci­
mens by suppressing the strength development that
occurs due to hydraulic reaction over time. These
decrease rates, however, were lower in fiber-
containing mixtures.
● The abrasion-related mass losses of the 90-day spe­
cimens containing fiber and SRA were lower than
the control specimen. However, increasing the fiber
ratio to 0.8% decreased the abrasion resistance of
the specimens in parallel with the compressive
strength values.
● Compressive strength of the fibrous specimens
exposed to high temperature due to the porous
structure of the mortar varied about their porous
structure. When the temperature was raised from
300°C to 600°C, the compressive strength of the
specimens containing 0.6% and 0.8% polypropy­
lene fiber increased, while the compressive strength
of the other specimens decreased.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE 17
Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the Bursa
Uludag University Science and Technology Centre (BAP) under
grant numbers OUAP (MH) −2020/4. Furthermore, the first
and second authors recognize the Turkish Council of Higher
Education scholarship (YÖK 100/2000 Program) that they
received throughout their Ph.D. studies. In addition, the first
author acknowledges the scholarship provided by the TUBITAK
2211A during her doctoral studies. Furthermore, the authors
would like to thank Polisan Construction Chemicals Company
and Polyfibers for their kind assistance in providing the shrink­
age reducing admixture and polypropylene fiber and Bursa
Cement Factory in determining the chemical composition and
physical properties of lime and brick powder.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
This work was supported by the Scientific and Technological
Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) [2211/A]; Council of
Higher Education (YÖK) [100/2000]; Bursa Uludag
University Science and Technology Centre (BAP) [OUAP
(MH)-2020/4].
ORCID
Tuğçe İsafça-Kaya http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9331-1339
Kemal Karakuzu http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1023-3962
Süleyman Özen http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5522-427X
Ali Mardani http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0326-5015
Adem Doğangün http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1867-7103
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