EFFECT OF FOAMING AGENT IN SELF CONSOLIDATING LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE (SCLC)

Abstract

Self-Consolidating Lightweight Concrete (SCLC) is relatively a new concept and can be regarded as a revolutionary development in the field of concrete technology. It is a type of concrete that might not require vibration for placing it and could be produced by reducing the density of concrete. However, the density of normal Self Consolidating Concrete (SCC) is similar to normal concrete approximately 2400kg/m3. By using foaming agent, the density of concrete can be reduced up to 1800kg/m3. Due to the heavy density of concrete, it will give the initial higher supply cost over conventional concrete, has slowed down its application to general construction. It is also hard to handle for construction and transportation. Therefore, it is advantages to produce SCC with lower density to provide benefit and enhancement of its performance by a combination of two types of concrete technology that is SCC technology and Lightweight Foam Concrete technology. This paper was focused to identify the effect of foaming agent on the fresh properties and compressive strength of SCLC. The influence of foaming agent contained in the range from 0 second, 1 second, 2 second, 3 second and 4 second to the strength characteristic identified in the SCLC. The specimens were tested for compressive strength at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. The result indicated that the compressive strength of SCLC is decreasing when foaming agent content was added. Meanwhile, the flowability of SCLC is increasing when foaming agent content added. Based on the finding, SCLC containing 3 second of foaming agent is achieving the density target, which is 1800kg/m3 and better compressive strength performance.