5. Conclusion

Various methods can be used to lighten mortar or concrete: from the oldest and most commonly used (entrained air in the cementitious matrix or incorporation of lightweight natural aggregates) to the most recent (recycling of various everyday materials such as glass, paper or polymers).

In the latter case, several types of polymer-based waste materials can be introduced (relatively easily) into the cementitious matrix, where they can be recycled to produce lightweight mortars or concretes.

The introduction of crushed polymer foam residues has the dual effect of lightening the total mass of the material and significantly increasing the final porosity of the mortar by incorporating air during mixing.

Seven main lessons can be learned from the manufacture and characterization of several mortars in which sand is replaced...