Abstract

With better deformation capacity and less resistance than conventional concrete, cellular concrete with expanded polystyrene (EPS) is a more suitable alternative for obtaining concrete with a low specific mass. Since the late 1980s, alkali-activated slag concrete (AASC) without Portland cement has been gaining attention. However, no comprehensive study has been conducted to analyze blast furnace slag as a binder in the mixture of cellular concrete with EPS; further, the effects of the variation in water/binder ratios (w/b) on the characteristics of the foam have not been sufficiently studied. Tests using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, ultrasound, resistance to axial compression, and absorption demonstrate the behavior of cellular concrete with an apparent density below 800 kg/m³ and mechanical resistance of 3 MPa. This work introduces an innovative application of the AASC for producing cellular concrete using EPS, as the foam with this type of binder seems more common.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call