Comparative Study on the Effect of Synthetic Foaming Agent and Natural Foaming Agent on the Engineering Properties of Foam Concrete

Abstract

The abstract discusses the imperative for the construction industry to pursue sustainable practices, particularly in materials selection. It introduces the study examining how different foaming agents impact the properties of foam concrete, a lightweight material crucial for sustainable construction. The construction industry's contribution to global sustainability efforts necessitates exploring eco-friendly alternatives for building materials. This study investigates the impact of synthetic and natural foaming agents on the engineering properties of foam concrete, with a focus on environmental considerations aligned with global sustainability goals. Foam concrete, a lightweight material without coarse aggregate, relies on the type of foaming agent used. This paper presents a comparative study of the effects of natural and synthetic foaming agents on foam concrete's engineering properties, including compressive strength, water absorption, and density. Experimental results indicate that foam concrete produced with a natural foaming agent exhibits greater compressive strength and density while absorbing less water than foam concrete with a synthetic foaming agent. These findings reduce the dead load on structures and minimize labour costs during construction.