Effect of varying cement content and curing conditions on the properties of sarooj (artificial pozzolana)

This paper describes research carried out at Sultan Qaboos University on the use of the local pozzolanic material, known as sarooj, with Portland cement. Sarooj was the major constituent and cement was used as an additive with various percentages, as used in restoration of historical monuments around the country. Seven mixes with the proportion of sarooj=1.0, sand=0.4, cement=0.2 and water=0.5 were cured for different durations in air and water to establish the best curing conditions suitable for the hot humid conditions of the Gulf region (28–45°C, R/H 60–80%). In addition, four groups of mixes (sarooj, sand, cement, water), each containing 11 mixes with cement content varying from 0 to 100% by mass of sarooj were tested to study the effect of varying the amount of cement on the strength characteristics. It was found that curing in the sun produced the highest strength results. The cement/sarooj ratio by mass was about 0.6.