Development of Masonry Cement from Waste Chalk and Phosphogypsum

This paper reports on the production of masonry cement from waste chalk, Portland cement and a small quantity of phosphogypsum. It possesses good workability, water retention and greater resistance to volume changes. The new cement complied with the requirements of Indian Standard specifications. The suitability of masonry cements was examined for mortar making properties. The results showed that the strength and water-retention of 1:4 and 1:5 masonry cement-sand mortars was higher than the corresponding 1:6 cement-sand mortar. Moreover, chalk and phosphogypsum can be used without beneficiation for making masonry cement, the resulting product being economical to produce. Cost estimates for the production of this cement and the comparative cost for other traditional mortars used in buildings have been given.

Mridul Garg and Neeraj Jain, Scientists, Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee