Effects of Sand/Binder Ratios on the Mechanical Properties of Mortars Containing Fly ash and Silica fume

The paper presents details of an investigation into the effect of sand content upon the strength and shrinkage of mortar. This strategy was to produces more durable strength mortar with less cement. Cement mortars containing $20\;wt.\;\%$ Class F fly ash, and/or $6\;wt.\;\%$ silica fume were prepared at a water/binder ratio of 0.45 and sand/binder ratios of 2.0, 2.5, 2.7, and 3.0. The increase in sand/binder ratio caused a decrease in the mortar flow. However, the sand/binder ratio did not affect the strength development. Drying shrinkage decreased with increasing the sand contents.