The PN-EN 197-1:2012 standard allows the use of additives as the main component above 5.0% by mass, as well as as a secondary component in an amount less than 5.0% by mass of cement. Proper selection of additives positively affects the rheological characteristics and hardened concrete parameters during longer maturity periods. Additives have already become an integral component of concrete mixes. The aim of the research is to confirm the possibility of using the tested additive in the composition of concrete mixes in an amount of 15% relative to the amount of cement, which would solve the problem of storing and utilizing waste generated during the production of broken chalcedonite aggregates. The planned laboratory tests were carried out for concrete of three classes, C30/37, C35/45, C40/50, according to the PN-EN 206+A1:2016-2 standard, with the addition of chalcedonite dust in a constant amount of 15% relative to cement, and three series without additives as control series. The additive used for concrete mixes was chalcedonite dust with a diameter below 72 μm. It is waste from a broken aggregate mine. The research program included rheological tests of fresh concrete mix, i.e., air content, consistency, bulk density, as well as parameters of hardened concrete mix—compressive strength, absorbability, and capillary uptake. Compressive strength was tested after 7, 14, 28, 56, and 90 days. The laboratory tests aimed to verify whether the addition of 15% chalcedonite dust additive would not worsen the predicted hardened concrete parameters resulting from the designed concrete classes. All three tested series, C30/37, C35/45, and C40/50, with the addition of 15% chalcedonite dust relative to the amount of cement, achieved the assumed strength classes after 28 days of maturation. Concrete mix components were correctly designed. The addition of chalcedonite dust to the concrete mix did not cause a decrease in compressive strength to the extent that the analyzed series did not meet the normative requirements for concrete classes according to the PN-EN 206+A1:2014 standard. The results of absorbability testing indicate water absorption below 5%, while the increase in sample mass in the capillary uptake test gained similar values.

The development of eco-innovation in the construction materials industry plays a key role in promoting sustainable development. Faced with dwindling natural resources, construction material manufacturers are increasingly turning to solutions that reduce their negative impact on the environment while ensuring high product quality. The aim of the study was to assess the possibility of using waste soda-lime-silicate glass as a reactive pozzolanic additive for cement mortars or as a non-reactive filler. The research involved the preparation of a series of mortars with different degrees of cement replacement with glass dust (10%, 20%, 30%) and a series with sand replaced with glass powder (20%, 35%, 50%). The setting time, bulk density, consistency, compressive and flexural strength, water absorption and capillary rise, as well as the microstructure of the mortars, were examined. When glass powder was used as a cement substitute, the decrease in compressive strength ranged from 8.5 to 16%, and the decrease in flexural strength from 6 to 9%. Ground glass in powder form did not exhibit full pozzolanic properties.

Laboratory tests were conducted of mortars supplemented with 0%, 5%, 20%, 35%, 50% of chalcedonite powder. Chalcedonite powder replaced the percentage amount of cement. The subject of tests was impact of admixture on properties of hardened mortars including: compressive strength, bending strength, water absorption and capillary rising. Tests of compressive strength were conducted following 2, 7, 14, 28, 56 and 90 days, whereas water absorption, capillary rising were tested following 28 days. The mortar demonstrated the biggest compressive strength where cement was replaced with admixture in 5% and following curing period of 90 days it was 72.1MPa. Mortars where cement was replaced in 5%, 20%, 35% and 50% demonstrated decrease of bending strength comparing to the reference mortar. During the test regarding water absorption, 50% admixture of powder resulted mass increase by 6.1 % in relation to the reference mortar, whereas 20% admixture of chalcedonite powder resulted in mass increase by 3.9% in relation to the reference mortar. Water absorption resulted from capillary rising during tests was below 3.5%.

Aluminous cement is a quick binder with special properties. It is used primarily to make non-standard monolithic components exposed to high temperatures, + 1300°C. It is also a component of adhesives and mortars. It has a very short setting time. It is characterized by rapid increase in mechanical strength and resistance to aggressive sulphates. It can be used in reinforced concrete structures. Laying of concrete, construction mortar made of alumina cement can be carried out even at temperatures of -10°C. This article discusses a comparison of the parameters of hardened mortar made of alumina cement GÓRKAL 40 and Portland cement CEM I 42.5R. The mortars contain an addition of chalcedonite meal with pozzolanic properties, with particle size of less than 0.063μm. The meal was added in amounts of 5% and 20% of cement weight. Chalcedonite meal used in the laboratory research is waste material, resulting from chalcedonite aggregate mining. It has the same properties as the rock from which it originates. We have compared the parameters of hardened mortar i.e. compressive strength, water absorption and capillarity. The addition of 20% chalcedonite meal to mortars made from aluminous cement will decrease durability by 6.1% relative to aluminous cement mortar without addition of meal. Considering the results obtained during the absorbency tests, it can be stated that the addition of chalcedonite meal reduces weight gains in mortars made with cement CEM I 42.5 R and alumina cement. Use of alumina cement without addition of meal in mortars causes an increase of mass by 248% compared to Portland cement mortars without additions, in the absorption tests. The addition of chalcedonite meal did not cause increased weight gain in the capillary action tests. For the alumina cement mortars, a lesser weight gains of 24.7% was reported, compared to the Portland cement mortar after 28 days of maturing.

Alumina cement is included in special cements, which are used primarily for the production of refractory materials. It is significantly different in chemical terms from the Portland cement commonly used in construction. The consequence of this are the different properties of these two hydraulic binders. Portland cement consists mainly of CaO and SiO₂. In turn, the main constituents of aluminium cement are Al₂O₃ and CaO, which form calcium aluminates. However, the main phase constituent of aluminium cement is CA calcium monohydrate. It consists of about 36 ÷ 42% Al₂O₃ containing also a significant amount of gelenite (C₂AS). Strength of Ca₂ after three days of hydration is comparable to the strength of pure hydrated CA. It is also worth mentioning such phases as C₂S and C₄AF. They often occur in Portland cement and in clay cement. The article discusses the results of laboratory tests on the impact of replacing Portland cement with Portland cement on the physical and mechanical properties of mortar. The rheological characteristics of mortars, i.e. the consistency and parameters of hardened mortars, among others compressive strength, capillary rise and absorbability. Replacing aluminium cement with Portland cement in an amount of 10% causes an increase in compressive strength. The increase in compressive strength depends on the amount of Portland cement applied to the mortar. Parameters such as absorbability and capillary rising are improving. Compressive strength was tested after 1, 7, 28 days on samples with dimensions 4 × 4 × 16 cm. Absorption and capillary rising were tested 28 days after being moulded.