Influence of environmental temperature and moisture content of aggregates on the workability of cement mortar

In this experimental work, which is aimed at a subsequent industrial application, the results of a study of the effects of environmental temperatures on aggregate’s properties and on the resulting mortar workability are presented. For this work, several physical properties of fine aggregates (sand of 5 and 2 mm) were defined, in order to establish the influence of temperature on their performance and on the resulting mortar’s workability. In this study, three climatic conditions were used: reference, hot weather and cold weather conditions, both in terms of temperature and relative humidity. The results show that mortar workability is a function of the temperature of the aggregates and of their physical properties, such as absorption and friction; in general, the best results are attained under the reference conditions (20 °C). These results may be useful for the optimization tools development in ready-mix concrete production.