Abstract

This experimental investigation was carried out to evaluate the potential of garnet residue, a by-product from the abrasive industry, as an aggregate in cement mortar through the physical, mechanical, microstructure, leaching and radiological properties. The findings revealed that the sand replacement by garnet residue enhanced the physical and mechanical properties. In radiological experiments, the cement mortar incorporating garnet residue at 100% by weight improved both gamma-ray and neutron shielding properties at 34% and 26%, respectively, better than the control sample. Thus, based on these results, it is concluded that the percentage of garnet residue can fully replace sand in radiation shielding cement mortar.