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Lookup NU author(s): Kaniaw Marof, Professor Lidija SillerORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
This study develops a sustainable masonry mortar incorporating a low dosage of KH-570 surface-modified silica aerogel and basalt fibre to improve thermal insulation while maintaining mechanical compliance suitable for non-load-bearing applications. This work, to the authors’ knowledge, is the first to combine KH-570 functionalised aerogel with basalt fibre to overcome the insulation–strength trade-off at low aerogel dosages. Two mortar series were prepared: (i) mortars containing 3, 5, and 7 vol.% unmodified aerogel as partial sand replacement, and (ii) mortars with the same aerogel contents combined with 1 wt.% cement-chopped basalt fibre. The setting time, flow of fresh mortar, dry bulk density, mechanical strength, and thermal properties were evaluated. Basalt fibre-reinforced samples demonstrated compressive strength increases of 8.0%, 7.2%, and 7.6%, and flexural strength gains of 6.0%, 8.0%, and 6.6%, respectively, compared with non-reinforced aerogel mortars, while meeting the requirements of ASTM C270 (Type N), EN 998-2 (Class M5), and AS 4456.10 (Class M2). Thermal conductivity was reduced by up to 65% relative to conventional mortar, reaching its lowest value at 7 vol.% treated aerogel combined with basalt fibre. The results demonstrate a material-efficient route to thermally insulating mortars that retain mechanical performance suitable for non-load-bearing masonry.
Author(s): Marof K, Siller L
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: International Journal of concrete structures and materials
Year: 2026
Volume: 20
Pages: 14
Online publication date: 09/02/2026
Acceptance date: 19/01/2026
Date deposited: 10/02/2026
ISSN (electronic): 2234-1315
Publisher: Srpinger Nature
URL: .http:/doi.org/10.1186/s40069-026-00892-7
DOI: 10.1186/s40069-026-00892-7
ePrints DOI: 10.57711/vkaw-rz24
Data Access Statement: Data will be made available on request.
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