Cyclic behaviour of a lightweight mortar with cork granulate composite

This paper presents an experimental analysis of the cyclical behaviour of a novel composite material made from a traditional mortar with incorporation of granulated cork. This material is hereby designated by CorBe. Specimens with 0%, 15% and 30% of cork addition, in volume of the mixture, were prepared and tested. Four types of cork with different cork grain sizes were used on each volume fraction. In order to characterise the cyclical behaviour of this composite material, cyclic uniaxial and diagonal compression tests were carried out. The energy dissipation capacity of these mortars was also studied. Obtained results evidenced that, for the whole set of mortars studied, there is a clear tendency for the improvement of performance when cork granulates are added, either for cyclic uniaxial or for diagonal compression loadings. The overall results prove the advantages of the application of CorBe in structural elements aimed for energy dissipation. Furthermore, the rupture mechanisms under cyclical loadings of this composite material were also analysed and discussed. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.