Properties of Omani artificial pozzolana (sarooj)

Artificial pozzolana (sarooj) has been used in Oman in various engineering structures for hundreds of years but its use is now limited to the restoration of castles and forts. This paper reports on the status of a major research project on Omani sarooj being undertaken at Sultan Qaboos University. Clays were collected from five sites in Northern Oman (Wadi Al-Mawal, Bahla, Al-Hamra, Birkat Al-Mouz and Qurayat) which were known for the production of sarooj in the past. A detailed program covering geotechnical, mineralogical, thermal, chemical and physical tests was carried out. It was found that the sarooj produced by Al-Hamra clays was superior to those of other sites. From the results, it was evident that the chemical composition, calcination temperature and duration of burning are the main factors for producing suitable sarooj.