Abstract The scale is a waste coming from the metal casting industry. It is an iron oxide layer formed as a result of oxidation after annealing on steel surfaces. Casting wastes, which have been left uncontrolled for many years, have caused considerable environmental damage. In the present paper, the mechanical properties and microstructural characterization of cement mortars, prepared by using scale coming from Turkey steel manufacturer were experimentally investigated. The steel scale was used as a partial replacement of cement. Recycling of solid waste scale is considered as an environmental‐friendly alternative to solve the problem of disposing of wastes. Cement mortar admixtures were prepared by variable percentages of scale from 2% to 10%. The effect of scale on the strength of cement mortar was analyzed. The compressive strength values of all the specimens were recorded for 3, 7, and 28?days and the results showed that when the amount of scale replacement was increased, the strength increased slightly. However, cement mortar containing 4% wt. additive has shown the highest strength value at 3 and 28?days. As a result an optimum additive amount of scale in the cement mortar is found as 4% wt. Microstructural observation of the samples using SEM showed that scale particles were well embedded in the c matrix.
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