Development and analysis of a new diatomite-containing mortar: Theoretical and practical approaches

Abstract

This study explores a novel mortar mixture, achieved by replacing sand with diatomite, to enhance the thermal performance of buildings. Thanks to its high silica content, Moroccan diatomite possesses remarkable properties, notably significant lightness and low thermal conductivity, as revealed by the physico-chemical analyses conducted. Four diatomite-containing mortar samples, incorporating 55%, 64%, 71%, and 75% diatomite, were then tested. Encouraging results were obtained, notably that increasing the proportion of diatomite reduced thermal conductivity while increasing thermal capacity. Although compressive and flexural strengths experienced a decrease, they remained within acceptable limits for a lightweight mortar. Subsequently, the study investigates the impact of integrating diatomite-containing mortar in construction on building thermal performance through the application of a building simulation tool under real-life climatic conditions. The mixture designated (M4), containing 75% diatomite in addition to cement and water, demonstrated the most favorable thermal performance. This resulted in reductions of 4.28%, 4.67%, and 4.81% in annual heating and cooling thermal loads for the Moroccan cities of Tetouan, Errachidia, and Ifrane, respectively. This corresponds to an annual GHG emissions reduction of 13.66 (kgCO₂eq), 23.28 (kgCO₂eq), and 23.03 (kgCO₂eq), respectively.