Fine aggregate substitution by granular activated carbon can improve physical and mechanical properties of cement mortars

Porosity and strength responses that result from the substitution of fine sand aggregate with similarly sized granular activated carbon (GAC) particles, were studied in cements commonly used in North America. In addition to changes in density and mechanical properties, pore structure responses were analyzed using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Increases in both compressive and tensile strength resulted from GAC incorporation, where sand replacement was 2% by mass or lower; porosity and critical pore entry diameter also decreased near this range (<1%). Results suggest that bituminous GAC incorporation into cementitious materials may have beneficial effects within specific sizes and mass substitution ranges.